Product Information:
Gives The Armagh a run for its money, more user friendly too. Like its big brother, the McRae is made using the ‘Jim Barry’ method and as such can be enjoyed upon release, but would equally benefit from cellaring to allow the wine to show some mature characteristics. The good news is this is a cellar release from 2016, so you can absolutely open it now, or lock it away further.
Expect notes of dark plums, spice and purple florals and developing notes of leather and spice. The palate opens with black plum, black cherries with brambles and compote detailed with spice and elegance. Progressively supple and generous tannins frame and lengthens its finish.
This Shiraz honours the vision of pioneer Clare Valley winemaker Jim Barry. In 1964, Jim purchased 70 acres of prime land from Duncan McRae Wood and planted his first vineyard with Shiraz. It was an inspired choice of both grape variety and location.
Maker:
Jim Barry Wines is a name deeply woven into the fabric of South Australia's Clare Valley, a region renowned for its world-class wines. Established by Jim Barry, the first qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley, the winery’s legacy is one of pioneering spirit, innovation, and a commitment to producing exceptional wines. Jim’s journey began in 1947 when he graduated from Roseworthy Agricultural College, and over the following decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Clare Valley into a benchmark region for Riesling and premium Australian wines.
Jim’s early mentorship from Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi helped solidify the vision for Leeuwin Estate and the Barry family's future in winemaking. Today, Peter Barry, Jim’s son, serves as the managing director, continuing the family’s legacy of producing site-expressive wines with dedication and precision. Now, three generations of the Barry family work alongside a skilled team to produce outstanding wines from the family’s extensive portfolio of vineyards in the Clare Valley and Coonawarra regions. The estate’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and respect for the land ensures that Jim Barry Wines remains at the forefront of Australian winemaking.
Vineyard:
The Armagh Vineyard, it is actually home to several of their Jim Barry's legendary cuvees including The Armagh, but also The Benbournie Cabernet Sauvignon, and The McRae Wood Shiraz. Located on a north-west facing slope at an elevation of 367 metres and bisected by the Armagh Creek, the western half of the vineyard is an alluvial flat, while the eastern half gently slopes towards the creek. 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. Located two kilometres northwest of Clare on the opposite side of the hill on which the Jim Barry Winery is located. The vineyard gets its name from a nearby hamlet of Armagh, established by Irish settlers in 1849 and named after the lush, rolling hills of their homeland. In 1964, Jim Barry first plated 900 Malbec and 2500 Cabernet Sauvignon vines, followed by a further eight acres of Shiraz vines in 1968
The area where the Armagh vineyard is found contains the region's oldest rock from the Rhynie Sandstone Formation, dating back more than 800 million years. The Armagh vineyard is characterised by a light brown, sandy clay topsoil with a pebbly alluvial layer overlaying a mottled clay subsoil. It is planted with shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. Of which, the 50-year-old Shiraz vines follow the contours of the north-west-facing slopes to prevent soil erosion and ensure winter rains soak in. The combination of low-fertility soil and good exposure aids the natural devigoration of the vines, producing small-berried and intensely flavoured bunches. Receiving an average rainfall of 580mm per year, the vineyard requires minimal intervention to maintain yields of below 1.5 tonnes per acre, producing rich and concentrated fruit of the rare quality required to create exceptional wines with ageing potential.
Nose - Red/Purple Fruits, Violets, Spice
Dark plums, spice and purple florals on the nose.
Palate - Round, Spicy Red Fruit Core, Generous Supple Tannins
Fluid palate with a rich and assertive core of raspberries and red plums. Full body.
Finish - Dark Fruits, Black Berries, Dried Spices
A wine of refrained structure and integrated tannin, dark spice and black berries to finish.
This is no pushover in the company of The Armagh, and it's a whole lot easier to enjoy, even though the day for each is long off. Here the fruits are rounder, the tannins following suit - even touches of red/purple fruits here. Once again, a wine to be respected. And enjoyed. - James Halliday Australian Wine Companion, 96 Points.
There’s a vibrant red-fruit core and this has such impressive depth and structure with a vibrant, lightly spicy plum palate, as well as dark berries. Fluid palate with a rich and assertive core of raspberries and red plums. Full body. Drink or hold. Screw cap. James Suckling, 94 Points.
Deep, dark colour and a strong toasty oak bouquet, walnuts, freshly-turned earth and dried spices. The wine is full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with very good density and length. A complete, full-bodied wine, with generous supple tannins. Impressive. - Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 92 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Clare Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2016
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%
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