Jim Barry

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Jim Barry 1996 The Armagh Red (Clare Valley)

Price $75

The structure may be massive, but the tannins are ripe and soft, and the fruit concentration is amazing. An explosive nose of black cherries and plums, as well as oriental spices and vanilla. The richness and depth of flavor are spectacular. The finish is long and the flavors fully delineated. — W.E. (11/15/1999)

points

Jim Barry 1999 The Armagh Shiraz (Clare Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $100

You could fill your pen with this stuff, it’s that dark. Aromas of black cherry marmalade, cassis and white chocolate, young and fresh. In the mouth, it’s massive and ripe, yet balanced and harmonious, with perky acids and caressing tannins. Be forewarned: Big is not necessarily better. Despite the high score, this wine will drown many foods. — S.H. (12/15/2002)

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Jim Barry 2002 Armagh Shiraz (Clare Valley)

Price $100

Abyss-black and adheres to the unwritten but well understood rule that Armagh must be big and bold, more appropriate for a passionate rendezvous than the dinner table. This vintage offers penetrating eucalyptus, white pepper, even meaty aromas. The palate is full and rich, dealing mixed berries, plum, eucalyptus and a hint of caramel. There are lasting, grippy… — D.T. (6/1/2006)

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Jim Barry 2000 The Armagh Shiraz (Clare Valley)

Price $100

Monster stuff—thick, black and oozy—yet with high-toned red fruit and mint scents that match the intensity of the smoke and toast of new oak. Maple syrup, black olive and blackberry flavors pick up hints of pepper, particularly on the finish. — W.E. (12/1/2003)

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Jim Barry 2004 The Florita Riesling (Clare Valley)

Price $30

Jim Barry’s first Florita is a delicious wine with Meyer lemon aromas and a dry, smooth, austere feel. The first sip is an intense rush of green apple, pink grapefruit and Meyer lemon flavors; the second sip, it’s demure, almost coy, in its minerality and auserity. Ever-changing, with a kaleidoscope of flavors and sensations. Drink now through 2020. Imported by… — D.T. (4/1/2006)

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Jim Barry 2002 The Benbournie Cabernet Sauvignon (Clare Valley)

Online Exclusive

Price $140

For a late-release 2002, this is still very youthful, packing layers of rich cassis and blackberry fruit into a soft jacket of vanilla, cedar and toasted coconut. It’s full-bodied, lush and velvety—a simply terrific Cabernet that should prove to have excellent aging potential as well. Drink now–2020. — J.C. (2/1/2008)

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Jim Barry 1997 The Armagh Shiraz (Clare Valley)

Price $100

This very impressive juice shows a rich, complex nose of blackberry, earth, saddle leather, cocoa, molasses and a lovely mint element. The rich, syrupy mouthfeel supports similar ripe flavors. The long finish is deeply fruited, with handsome fig, smoke and licorice notes. Solid stuff—can drink now, but it’s built to last and will be best 2004–2012 and beyond… — W.E. (11/1/2001)

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Jim Barry 2005 The Florita Riesling (Clare Valley)

Online Exclusive

Price $30

This second vintage of Barry’s Florita Riesling is excellent. Its flour-like, dusty mouthfeel follows light floral, minerally aromatics. On the palate it’s blissfully dry, with lively acidity and dusty citrus flavors. Finish is persistent; delicious throughout. — D.T. (11/15/2006)

Most Reviewed Designations

Armagh First Eleven First Eleven XI Lodge Hill McRae Wood The Armagh The Benbournie The Cover Drive The Florita The Lodge Hill The Lodge Hill Dry The Mcrae Wood

Most Reviewed Varietals

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Sauvignon Rhône-style Red Blend Riesling Shiraz

2009 W.H. Smith Purple Label Piedra Hill Vineyard

This is a gigantic Cabernet, deeply concentrated and enormously tannic…

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