2018 "THE ARMAGH" Shiraz

The world-class 2018 Shiraz The Armagh has the potentially perfect mix of raw power, style and structure. It radiates fruit pastille, cassis, clove, violet and granitic aromas, with toasty oak providing a solid canvas. Tight, focused and beautifully composed, there is exceptional underlying energy to the waves of flavor. A strong seam of drying tannins supports the sustained, savory finish. Just brilliant. 

- Angus Hughson (06/2024)

I thought that the 2014 had completely stolen my heart, but then there was this 2018 The Armagh Shiraz, bottled under Stelvin. This saw no American oak, as 2017 was the first year of 100% French. This is the first year with puncheons (no hogsheads) as well. It is so good, sensational, with a perfect fruit profile and orange oil character. It is fresh, beguiling, supple, intense, elegant, refined and full—all the good and important things in confluence here. It has 13.6% and matured for 18 months in 75% new and 25% one-year-old French oak hogsheads (300 liters) and puncheons (500liters). This is a superstar. The drinking window may be conservative—closure and winemaking could put this at 40 years with ease. And beyond.

- Erin Larkin