Overview
The Armagh is Jim Barry’s flagship Shiraz and one of Australia’s most celebrated single-vineyard wines. The vineyard occupies a north-west-facing slope near Clare, where ancient sandstone-derived soils, excellent drainage and elevation produce Shiraz of remarkable concentration, complexity and structure.
Planted in 1968 with heirloom pre-phylloxera vines, this low-yielding vineyard produces small berries of exceptional depth and intensity. The outstanding 2023 release was named Shiraz of the Year, awarded a Gold Medal and 99 points by Halliday Wine Companion 2027.
Producer Tasting Notes
An intensely aromatic bouquet bursts from the glass with punchy purple florals, lifted by white pepper, green cardamom, sandalwood and subtle fresh vanilla pod. The palate is drenched in blackberry juice and rich blueberry fruit, layered with molasses, Luxardo cherry, musk, cedar and savoury bay leaf.
Both robust and elegant, it combines densely concentrated fruit with fine, graphite-like tannins and bright, driving acidity. The finish is exceptionally long, persistent and effortlessly moreish.
Critic Reviews
99 Points, Shiraz of the Year & Gold Medal — Halliday Wine Companion 2027
The '23 harvest has produced perhaps one of the most restrained and fine Armagh releases of all. This is a sublime wine of control, levity and sense of freshness, but it doesn't miss the trick of concentration. There are ripples of dark forest berries, dark chocolate and cola, with new leather, graphite minerality, green olive herbal lift and a lick of spicy oak seasoning like a cherry on top. Tannins are silky, the wine beautifully and evocatively perfumed. The quieter voice and elegance here is beautiful. A striking wine.
Published 19 August 2026
97 Points — The Vintage Journal
Deep crimson. Intense fragrant elderberry, blackberry, espresso white pepper aromas with roasted chestnut notes. Richly concentrated, inky deep and smooth with ample elderberry, blackberry, raspberry, espresso/mocha flavours and some roasted chestnut, vanilla notes. Attractive mid-palate volume and well-balanced velvety/savoury tannins. Finishes brambly firm with raspberry pastille/aniseed nuances. Generous but elegantly styled with lovely density and flow.
Published 31 March 2026
Wine Details
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Producer: Jim Barry Wines
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Vintage: 2023
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Region: The Armagh, Clare Valley, South Australia
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Variety: 100% Shiraz
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Vineyard: Single vineyard, planted in 1968
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Estate Grown: 100%
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Soil: Light-brown sandy clay with minor grits
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Alcohol: 13.9%
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Total Acidity: 6.2 g/L
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pH: 3.5
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Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
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Winemakers: Tom Barry and Ben Marx
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First Release: 1985 vintage
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Cellaring: 2025–2040
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Bottle Size: 750ml
Food Pairing
Pair with slow-roasted lamb shoulder, dry-aged ribeye, braised beef cheeks, venison or richly flavoured game dishes.
