2013 The Armagh Shiraz Clare Valley Jim Barry

Ripe but pretty aromas of blackberries, plum essence and cassis meet with licorice and chocolate as well as undertones of orange peel. Full body, grainy and intense tannins and a charcoal-like, long finish. Drink in 2019. Screw cap.

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. 2020 - 2035.

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.