The 2014 The Armagh Shiraz that I have in front of me here is bottled under Stelvin. This is sensational: fresh, pert, meaty, savory, ferrous. It has a plump core of fruit in the mouth and is so beautiful, contained and restrained. "Away from rack and return, just sulfur on malo lees and topped," said winemaker Tom Barry. "Rack out at end of maturation period and to bottle." It's really gorgeous, supple and mid-weight. It has 14.1% alcohol and was matured for 16 months in 70% French and 30% American hogsheads (300 liter), 86% new and the balance one year old.

Opens with a nose of black walnut liqueur, dark chocolate, freshly roasted coffee, palo santo, salted caramel and nutmeg that swirls around a core of ripe, fleshy spiced plum, black cherry and cassis flavors. The tannins are plush and polished, lending an elegant air to this powerful wine. Tremendous finish. Drink now through 2035. 40 cases imported.??–MW??Region: Australia / Clare Valley Select to Add