2017 The Armagh Shiraz
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Tasting notes
The 2017 The Armagh Shiraz is really hitting its meaty straps at five years of age (in 2022). It has hoisin, salami, tobacco leaf and five spice in preponderance and shows a level of concentration in the mouth that aligns it with all of our lofty expectations of this vineyard. At 13.8% alcohol, it defies its muscular reputation and instead delivers us a medium-bodied, incredibly complex wine of poise and stature. Drink it from now and for the next 20 years with ease.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
Concentrated and spicy, great warm region Shiraz typicity, full of plum fruits, chocolate shavings and tobacco leaf, and a low hum of rosemary through the finish. Lacks a little breath of fresh air compared to last year’s bril- liant vintage but no question this is built to last. 3.5ph. 70% French oak, 30% American oak. Made by Peter and Tom Barry, with the oldest vines planted in 1968 so now 53 years old, grown on sandy gravel soils. Tasted twice.
Full screwcapped bottle 1,320 g. Deep crimson. Sweet and salty nose. Still a little oak in evidence here (perhaps we just have to wait…), but it's basically well constituted with something a little buttery about it. A welcome change from some over-demanding South Australian Shirazes too high in acid and/or tannin. It needs time to fill out the middle palate. (JR)
From the 2017 vintage, this plumper and riper expression of Shiraz The Armagh offers up plush aromas of dark chocolate, mulberry and blackberry laced with black pepper spice and coffee-scented oak. Generously proportioned flavors of blueberry and fruit compote are lifted by bright acidity in what is a relatively approachable overall package. Pliable tannins will ensure enjoyable drinking over the medium term.
About the producer
Jim Barry is one of Australia’s legendary wine estates. Based in the Clare Valley, Barry was the region’s first qualified winemaker and pioneer of the valley, which has since become a benchmark region for Riesling, as well as being home to some of the world's finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.