Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2021 is celebrated for its exceptional concentration, energy, and meticulous craftsmanship. The 2021 vintage stands out as one of the finest releases from this iconic vineyard to date. This is Jim Barry's flagship Shiraz, grown on The Armagh vineyard near Clare in South Australia's Clare Valley. Expect a full-bodied red with dark fruit, spice and firm, structured tannins built for the cellar. It was rated 98 POINTS by Decanter.
In the glass it shows mulberry and violet lifting off a core of dark plum, with sarsaparilla, vanilla and a hint of sage.
This wine would pair well with a well-aged steak or a rich braise, and it's the sort of wine you save for an occasion rather than open on a Tuesday.
What it tastes like
The palate is saturated and dense, layered with dark chocolate, nutmeg and tobacco, finishing on fine, grainy tannins. It's a serious, structured Shiraz built to reward years in the cellar.
Style at a glance
- Body: Full
- Sweetness: Dry
- Acidity: High
- Tannin: Firm and grainy
- Oak: 60% new French oak, in larger formats with lighter toasting
Style: Powerful, cellar-worthy Shiraz.
Food to enjoy this with
- A well-aged porterhouse steak
- Slow-braised beef cheek
- Venison with a rich jus
- Hard, aged cheddar
- Wild mushroom risotto
- A dark chocolate dessert, an unexpected match where the wine's firm tannins hold their own against the sweetness
Who makes it
Jim Barry established The Armagh vineyard in 1968, on a north-west facing slope 2km from the town of Clare, naming it after the nearby hamlet settled by Irish immigrants in 1849.
The vineyard is planted on sandy gravel soil in a spot that gets around 600mm of rain a year. The slope acts as a natural sun trap, and the vines, now over 50 years old, are cropped to less than 2 tonnes an acre.
For the 2021 vintage, winemaker Sam Barry took a gentler approach than in years past: the wine is bottled unfiltered and unfined, and matured in 60% new French oak in larger formats with lighter toasting.
About the vintage
2021 was an outstanding growing season in the Clare Valley, with high natural acidity across every variety and some of the finest, most elegant wines the region has produced in years.
Halliday Wine Companion rated it a standout vintage for the region, prized for its pristine aromatics and finesse.
Critic scores and ratings
- 98 POINTS – David Sly – Decanter, December 2024
"A special vintage perfectly captures The Armagh Vineyard's particular signature of heady wild herbs, powerful black fruits and rich red earth."
- 97 POINTS – James Suckling – James Suckling, January 2025
"This is deep, concentrated and wonderfully balanced with a full body but excellent freshness and energy."
- 97 POINTS – Erin Larkin – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, September 2024
"This is one of the very best Armaghs made to date, and it will be even better in time."
- 96 POINTS – Angus Hughson – Vinous, June 2024
"The embryonic young 2021 Shiraz The Armagh shows exceptional purity, with waves of licorice and roasted spices."
- 94 POINTS – MaryAnn Worobiec – Wine Spectator, August 2025
Technical details
| Producer: |
Jim Barry |
| Wine: |
The Armagh Shiraz |
| Vintage: |
2021 |
| Variety: |
100% Shiraz |
| Region: |
Clare Valley |
| Country: |
Australia |
| Alcohol: |
14% |
| Oak: |
60% new French oak, larger formats with lighter toasting |
Where to buy
The Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2021 is available online at thewineryonline.co.nz for delivery within New Zealand. You can also buy it at our Queenstown and Arrowtown wine stores, alongside a large range of New Zealand and international wine. Online and in both stores you can select a mixed case from a large range of wines.
Questions we are often asked
What grape is Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2021 made from?
It's 100% Shiraz, grown on the Armagh vineyard near Clare in South Australia's Clare Valley.
Why is The Armagh considered a flagship wine?
It comes from a single vineyard Jim Barry established in 1968, planted on sandy gravel with vines now over 50 years old and cropped to less than 2 tonnes an acre.
What food goes well with this wine?
Rich, full-flavoured dishes like an aged steak, slow-braised beef or hard cheddar suit its firm tannins and structure.
Has this wine won any awards or high scores?
Yes, it was rated 98 POINTS by Decanter, 97 POINTS by both James Suckling and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 POINTS by Vinous and 94 POINTS by Wine Spectator.
Is 2021 a good vintage for Clare Valley Shiraz?
Yes, 2021 is regarded as an outstanding vintage in the Clare Valley, with Halliday Wine Companion rating it a standout year for its high natural acidity and elegant wines.
Where can I buy Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2021?
The Winery sells Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2021 online at thewineryonline.co.nz for delivery within New Zealand. You can also buy it in our Queenstown and Arrowtown wine stores.
