2016 The Armagh Shiraz

Located 2 kilometres northwest of Clare township on the opposite side of the hill on which Jim Barry Winery is located, is home to the famed 'The Armagh Shiraz'. The vineyard derives its name from a nearby hamlet of Armagh, established by Irish settlers in 1849 and named after lush, rolling hills of their homeland.

The 70-acre property was previously owned by Duncan McRae Wood and used to graze dairy cows before being purchased by Jim and Nancy Barry in 1964. That same year, Jim first planted 900 Malbec and 2500 Cabernet Sauvignon vines, followed by a further eight acres of Shiraz vines in 1968. At an elevation of 367 metres, the vines follow the contours of the north-west-facing slopes to prevent soil erosion and ensure winter rains soak in.

The unique soil composition is sandy clay topsoil with a pebbly alluvial layer overlaying mottled clay subsoil. Plush fruit and supple richness are hallmarks of The Armagh style. With oak behind deep, intense fruit and fine, structured tannins, The Armagh is highly prized for its consistency and cellaring potential. From the first vintage in 1985, The Armagh has achieved remarkable success, attaining the maximum possible rating of ‘Exceptional’ in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine.

Rated 99 Points by Nick Stock for Jamessuckling.com

"Wow. This is a bold, brassy shiraz that carries a wealth of very intense aromas of ripe blackberries, dark plums, licorice and sweetly spiced earth. Still so very youthful and primary. The palate is so powerful, so mouth-filling and so, so juicy. This manages to deliver such intensity and composure. Supple, long and deep-set tannins and heroically expressive fruit. Really impressive now, but this will deliver much more over the next two decades. One of the finest releases to date".