Jim Barry The Armagh 2013

Region and Vineyards

The Armagh vineyard, located in the Clare Valley of South Australia, is steeped in history, with its name honoring the Irish settlers who arrived in 1849 and were reminded of their homeland by the lush rolling hills. Jim Barry planted this vineyard in 1968 with Shiraz, and the vines now yield extremely low volumes, producing less than 27 hectolitres per hectare. The vineyard’s sandy gravel soil and the northwest-facing slope work together to capture sunlight, ensuring optimal ripeness for the Shiraz grapes by harvest.

The Clare Valley is a renowned premium wine region, and while small in production—making up less than 1.5% of Australia’s total wine—its wines have gained global prestige. The region’s continental climate and significant diurnal temperature shifts help create wines with well-ripened tannins and complexity, allowing the fruit to maintain its acidity and structure.

Winemaking

For the 2013 vintage, which experienced a dry growing season, the grapes were hand-harvested and carefully sorted. After destemming and crushing, the grapes underwent fermentation in small two-ton open-top fermenters, using heading down boards to gently extract color, flavor, and tannin. The winemaking team employed pump-overs twice daily and a daily rack and return to achieve the desired texture and structure.

Following an eight-day fermentation, the wine was racked to a combination of 60% French and 40% American oak hogsheads—85% of which were new—for 16 months, adding layers of depth and subtle oak influence. Undergoing malolactic fermentation in barrel, the wine softened and developed its characteristic richness and balance, designed to age gracefully for decades.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep inky red with a magenta hue.
• Aroma: Complex and intense aromas of rich dark fruit, sweet and savory spice, dark chocolate, and subtle dried herbs.
• Palate: Concentrated flavors of blackberry and cherry dominate, with hints of licorice and creamy mocha oak. Fine-grained tannins and a vibrant acidity create a structure that supports the wine’s powerful, poised, and persistent finish.

Did you know?

Jim Barry Wines is one of Australia’s most esteemed wine producers, with Jim Barry himself being the first qualified winemaker in Clare Valley. Founded in 1959, Jim Barry Wines is still family-owned, with three generations continuing the legacy. The Armagh Shiraz was first released in 1985, quickly becoming a flagship wine for the region and now one of the most revered single-vineyard Shiraz expressions in Australia.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast Beef with Rosemary and Garlic: The wine’s bold flavors and structured tannins complement the richness and herbal notes of the roast.
• Braised Short Ribs: The savory, slow-cooked beef matches the wine’s depth and dark fruit profile.
• Aged Gouda or Parmesan: These hard cheeses pair well with the wine’s intensity and bring out the fine tannins.
• Dark Chocolate Tart: The wine’s notes of dark chocolate and mocha make it a luxurious match for a rich dessert.

History of Jim Barry Wines Estate

Jim Barry was the first professionally qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley, graduating in 1947 and dedicating his life to advancing the region’s winemaking. After years with the Clarevale Co-operative, Jim and Nancy acquired their first vineyard, the Burton Cottage Estate, and began planting. In 1968, they established The Armagh vineyard, where Jim planted Shiraz that would later become the source of the winery’s flagship wine. Over the decades, Jim Barry Wines has achieved a series of industry firsts, including becoming the first Australian winery to plant Assyrtiko in 2012, sourcing cuttings from the Greek island of Santorini.

After Jim Barry’s passing, his son Peter Barry took over management, with his children Tom, Sam, and Olivia now holding key roles within the company. This dedication to family legacy has helped Jim Barry Wines earn prestigious accolades, including the 2020 Winery of the Year by Halliday Wine Companion and an Exceptional rating for The Armagh Shiraz in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine.

Region and Vineyards

The Clare Valley is a premier winemaking region situated at the northern end of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Known for its rolling hills, Mediterranean climate, and unique soils, the region produces less than 1% of Australia’s total wine output but is celebrated for premium Shiraz and Riesling. Jim Barry Wines manages a mosaic of 17 vineyard sites over 320 hectares, each chosen for its unique soil, elevation, and climate profile.

Among the winery’s notable sites are:

• The Armagh Vineyard: Known for producing Shiraz of exceptional depth, planted on northwest-facing slopes with sandy clay and mottled clay subsoils.
• The Florita Vineyard: Located in Watervale, this historic site produces the Florita Riesling and boasts unique loam and calcareous soils ideal for high-acid Riesling.
• The Lodge Hill Vineyard: Located on the eastern ranges, it grows Riesling on south-facing slopes and Shiraz on north-facing slopes, enhancing both variety and terroir expression.

Wine Range

Jim Barry Wines offers a broad portfolio of varietals and styles, notably Riesling, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with pioneering the Assyrtiko grape in Australia. Their wine range includes:

• The Armagh Shiraz: A celebrated single-vineyard Shiraz with global acclaim, noted for its depth and aging potential.
• The Florita Riesling: Crafted from historic vines, this Riesling is a benchmark of Watervale’s bright acidity and minerality.
• The McRae Wood Shiraz: Known for its intensity and elegance, this Shiraz reflects the terroir of Clare Valley’s prime Shiraz-growing sites.
• Assyrtiko: Australia’s first commercial release of Assyrtiko, capturing the vibrant acidity and minerality of this Greek variety.

Did you know?

Jim Barry Wines’ The Armagh Shiraz achieved the prestigious Exceptional status in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine, equivalent to a “Grand Cru” rating. Additionally, Jim Barry Wines pioneered Assyrtiko in Australia, sourcing vines from Santorini, a groundbreaking introduction that reflects the Barry family’s commitment to innovation and diversity in winemaking.