2018 Armagh Shiraz, Jim Barry

Deep purple in hue with a luminous rim, this Shiraz opens with a rush of black and blue berries, violet perfume, and a subtle cascade of mocha and clove. On the palate it’s intensely structured yet silky—ripe plum and cassis unfold over finely polished tannins, while tobacco, graphite and a hint of cured meat add complexity and depth. The finish lingers, vibrant and long, driven by fresh acidity and sheer clarity of fruit. Potent yet poised, this is Shiraz of rare distinction.

For when: The evening warrants something bold and unforgettable.
Pairs with: Rib-eye steak, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, or wild mushroom ragù.
If this wine were: A midnight storm over red sand — intense, electrifying and utterly Australian.

Producer: Jim Barry Wines, Clare Valley, South Australia
Set in the elevated slopes of the Clare Valley, The Armagh vineyard delivers Shiraz built on sandy-gravel soils and cooled by crisp nights. The Jim Barry team hand-harvests low-yield fruit from this iconic site, ferments in small open-top fermenters, and ages the wine in French oak hogsheads to preserve energy and elegance. The 2018 vintage—hailed by critics—captures a refined new era for the vineyard: exquisite fruit, layered complexity, and age-defying structure. Pull the cork tonight or plan for decades—either way, this is a wine to remember.