1999 Jim Barry Shiraz The Armagh
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Tasting notes
So different (in the context of the tasting so far)! This 1999 Shiraz The Armagh has Christmas cake spice, orange zest, some quince, date, dark chocolate, tobacco leaf and choc bullets. In the mouth, the wine is fresh, the tannins moving to firm and steely—almost mineral. There are notes of graphite, clove bud and peat/lichen/moss. This is super good, but decant it—it really needs to blossom. It has 15.1% alcoho and, matured for 15 months in 50% French and 50% American oak barriques (225 liters). This bottle was a magnum and sealed under cork.
Critic scores
Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
Angus Hughson, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The mature but still vibrant 1999 Shiraz The Armagh radiates blackberry, cherry compote, Australian bush and peppery notes, with the oak just a little prominent. It's at peak thanks to a beautifully supple and evocative palate, with fine tannins supporting a long, savory and complex finish. The 1999 is excellent and has plenty of staying power.
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.