Jim Barry The Armagh 2013

This has a rich delivery of dark-plum, cocoa and pepper aromas with a slate-like ,stony edge and some toasty oak spice. The palate is composed, rich and deeply flavorsome with very vivid, layered and gently grainy tannins. The power and contained intensity here is striking. Very silky, compressed texture here. A sleeper. Will start showing its best from 2025.

Never the flashiest or most opulent Shiraz, The Armagh endures as a savory classic. The 2013 Shiraz The Armagh continues in that same vein, with scents of roasted meat, scorched mulberries and hints of vanilla leading the way. It's dense, concentrated and full-bodied, with supple (almost creamy) tannins that conceal much of their power in their ripeness, without the wine ever seeming too ripe, too oaky or too fruity. Those tannins linger and turn to silk on the long finish, picking up lively red berry and orange zest nuances. Good stuff.

The 2013 vintage was a warm year with a short harvest, and so the Jim Barry's top red wine is more than ready to drink now. While it may not have as long a cellaring life as some of its predecessors, it's still a beautiful a wine. It starts with aromas of dried flowers, Dr. Pepper, raisiny plums, raw meat, milk chocolate and spices like cumin, star anise and white pepper. The palate is still showing relatively juicy, primary fruit that's sewn together with ultrafine, powdery tannins and an earthy spine. This is powerful yet finessed. Editors' Choice

Expressive, rich and dark, featuring black licorice–scented plum and Black Forest cake notes that are plush and spicy, with velvety tannins and notes of chai tea lingering on the finish. Finds tremendous grace and harmony despite the intensity.