Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz

An icon of Australian Shiraz, Jim Barry’s ‘The Armagh’ is a masterpiece of power, purity and poise from the Clare Valley. Deeply hued with lifted aromas of blackcurrant, mulberry and spice, this vintage reveals opulent fruit woven with smoke, cocoa and fine oak. Plush yet structured, it glides into an endless finish of elegance and intensity — a true collector’s wine of legendary status.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Layers of blackberry, plum and mulberry unfold with notes of violet, sage and vanilla. The palate is rich yet graceful, balancing dark berries, spice and toasty oak with velvety tannins and bright acidity. Textural, complex and built to age, it lingers with remarkable length and refinement.

Key Details

• Winery: Jim Barry
• Grape: Shiraz
• Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
• Vintage: 2017
• ABV: 14%
• Volume: 750ml
• Other: Sustainable vineyard practices

Craftsmanship & Story

Planted by Jim Barry in 1968, The Armagh Vineyard sits on a sun-soaked northwest slope in sandy gravel soils, yielding less than two tonnes per acre. Each vine is hand-tended and the fruit hand-picked at full ripeness. Fermented in small open vats and matured in fine French oak, the resulting wine embodies half a century of Clare Valley mastery and the Barry family’s enduring pursuit of excellence.

Special Features

The Armagh represents the pinnacle of the Jim Barry portfolio, combining old-vine concentration with meticulous barrel ageing to craft a wine of immense depth and longevity. Its limited production and extraordinary cellaring potential have earned it cult status among collectors worldwide.

Recognition & Accolades

Acclaimed by leading critics across recent vintages:

• 97/100 Points – Markus del Monego MW (2017 vintage)
• 97/100 Points – Peter Moser (2017 vintage)
• 96/100 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2017 vintage)
• 96/100 Points & Gold – James Halliday (2017 vintage)
• 95/100 Points – Nick Stock, James Suckling (2017 vintage)
• 95/100 Points – Pekka Nuikki (2017 vintage)
• 95/100 Points – Andrew Caillard, The Vintage Journal (2017 vintage)
• 93/100 Points – Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker (2017 vintage)

These accolades affirm The Armagh’s legendary stature as one of Australia’s most powerful yet beautifully balanced Shiraz wines.

Food Pairings

Magnificent with slow-braised lamb shanks, dry-aged rib-eye, or venison loin with a red-wine jus. Its layered richness pairs elegantly with pepper-crusted steaks, truffled mushroom dishes or roasted duck with cherry glaze. For a refined finish, try mature cheddar or a mild blue cheese to complement the wine’s savoury spice and dark-fruit depth.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

An icon of Australian winemaking, perfect for collectors, anniversaries and milestone gifts. Its grandeur, balance and cellar-worthy elegance ensure lasting memories and continued evolution in the cellar.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.