The explosion of black and blue berry aromas with a dazzling interplay of fruit and oak takes your breath away. Very concentrated and compact, but not a jot too heavy at 13.8% alcohol. The incredibly fine tannins provide an extremely sensual texture, yet everything is precisely balanced at the super-long finish. The best ever Armagh! JS
It smells succulent, ripe and plush, but it doesn't give the impression that it is bloated or heavyset. On the palate, the wine is everything we hoped it could be: mouthfilling, full-bodied, blanched and ripe. The fruit stays on the red end of the spectrum, while there is date, toffee apple, black peppercorns and a hint of prune through the finish. Dark chocolate, tobacco and star anise complete the picture. This is one of the very best Armaghs made to date, and it will be even better in time. RP
$ 2,080
Jim Barry The Armagh 2008
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2008 The Armagh Shiraz opens with intense notes of kirsch, warm black cherry, black raspberry and mulberry with overtones of pepper and spice and a bit of truffles and mocha. Slightly prune-like on the very full-bodied palate, it is rich with lively acid and firm, velvety tannins. It finishes long and spicy. Drink it now to 2028+. RP