critic reviews
The 2021 The Armagh Shiraz comes with the backing of the superb 2021 season that birthed it. Aromatically, the wine leads with charry oak and spicy black and red fruits: pomegranate, raspberry, blackberry and licorice. It smells succulent, ripe and plush, but it doesn't give the impression that it is bloated or heavyset. On the palate, the wine is everything we hoped it could be: mouthfilling, full-bodied, blanched and ripe. The fruit stays on the red end of the spectrum, while there is date, toffee apple, black peppercorns and a hint of prune through the finish. Dark chocolate, tobacco and star anise complete the picture. This is one of the very best Armaghs made to date, and it will be even better in time. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
Always a pleasure to get to know a new vintage of The Armagh, and this one kicks off with fragrant aromatics that really put emphasis on the violet and iris character of Shiraz, followed up by cassis fruit, liqourice and rosemary, and a kick of black pepper. 3.3ha of vines, winemaker Peter Barry, working with his brother Sam. Sandy-gravel soils. 75% new oak for ageing, mainly 300l with a few 500l barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Decades ahead of it, but the supple tannins make it approachable now.
The embryonic young 2021 Shiraz The Armagh shows exceptional purity, with waves of licorice and roasted spices backed by tarry mulberry, blackcurrant and inky aromatics. There is a strong tannic feel here but also a lightness of touch—stunning composure and length for a finesse-filled and beautifully integrated Armagh vintage.