Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2014

An iconic Clare Valley Shiraz of remarkable concentration, structure and longevity. The Armagh delivers powerful blackberry and dark fruit character with liquorice, spice, earthy complexity and savoury depth. Low-yielding old vines contribute intensity, while finely managed tannins provide balance, persistence and an elegant framework for extended cellaring.

Food Pairing: Pairs best with dry-aged ribeye, rosemary lamb shoulder, braised beef cheeks, or venison.

97 Points - James Suckling

With its deep well of black-fruit, smoked-bacon and dry-earth aromas, this is an imposing and rich Shiraz, but it has a stunning harmony of ripeness and fine tannins, the very long, plush finish wonderfully balanced and very complex. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2014 The Armagh Shiraz that I have in front of me here is bottled under Stelvin. This is sensational: fresh, pert, meaty, savory, ferrous. It has a plump core of fruit in the mouth and is so beautiful, contained and restrained. "Away from rack and return, just sulfur on malo lees and topped," said winemaker Tom Barry. "Rack out at end of maturation period and to bottle." It's really gorgeous, supple and mid-weight. It has 14.1% alcohol and was matured for 16 months in 70% French and 30% American hogsheads (300 liter), 86% new and the balance one year old.

96 Points - Wine Spectator

Opens with a nose of black walnut liqueur, dark chocolate, freshly roasted coffee, palo santo, salted caramel and nutmeg that swirls around a core of ripe, fleshy spiced plum, black cherry and cassis flavors. The tannins are plush and polished, lending an elegant air to this powerful wine. Tremendous finish. Drink now through 2035.

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast

This vintage of The Armagh, the Barry family's most premium wine, is intensely concentrated with lifted earthy, umami aromas like charred beetroot and dried mint that sit alongside the plush plum and blueberry fruit and chocolaty oak. Typical to Clare, there's an almost surprising lift of acidity on the palate that comes to the rescue. Powerful, talc-like tannins weave the plump fruit and herbs together. This is a beast of a wine, but it's a well-structured beast that will age for several decades.