The Armagh Shiraz

Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz is the winery's flagship. The wine has been a remarkable success ever since its first vintage in 1985.

It is named after the hamlet of Armagh in the Clare Valley, established by Irish settlers in 1849. Armagh is a venerated location in Ireland. St Patrick built his stone church there on a site where a cathedral still stands.

Jim Barry planted his Armagh Vineyard in 1968, following the contours of its north-west facing slopes. A natural sun trap, the vines capture the summer sun from many angles, ensuring the fruit is fully ripened.

The handpicked grapes are crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. Heading down boards are used to keep the cap of grape skins submerged. The wine then matures for 15-20 months in French and American oak.

An inky magenta, Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz has deep, plush fruit flavours, supple richness and coiled tannins.

An exceptional Clare Valley Shiraz. Cellaring potential is 25 years.