One of the most colossal wines in all of my tastings was Jim Barry’s 2004 Shiraz The Armagh, a 100% Shiraz aged 16 months in French and American oak. It is an opaque purple-hued, super-intense effort displaying great precision and richness. Notes of melted asphalt, acacia flowers, blueberries, blackberries, charcoal, and espresso roast emerge from this full, dense, opulent Shiraz. The finish lasts for over 45 seconds. This is a great example of one of the icons of Australian Shiraz. Anticipated maturity: now-2025.

The 2004 Shiraz The Armagh is sealed under cork. Aromas of bar mat, peat, turned black earth, broken grass, licorice and star anise. In the mouth, notes of kirsch, cocoa and beef crust eddy through to the finish. This is an enigmatic, precipice wine—it is sitting perfectly on the edge of young and old. It's dense and almost rigid yet possessed of fruit purity—cleansing. This is big, at 15.2% alcohol, and it matured for 16 months in 30% French and 70% American oak barriques (225 liters).

Bright and jazzy, with a red pepper edge to the cherry, green olive and spice flavors. The harmonious flavors linger against very fine tannins and lively acidity on the long finish. Drink now through 2014. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 75 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Clare Valley Select to Add