So different (in the context of the tasting so far)! This 1999 Shiraz The Armagh has Christmas cake spice, orange zest, some quince, date, dark chocolate, tobacco leaf and choc bullets. In the mouth, the wine is fresh, the tannins moving to firm and steely—almost mineral. There are notes of graphite, clove bud and peat/lichen/moss. This is super good, but decant it—it really needs to blossom. It has 15.1% alcoho and, matured for 15 months in 50% French and 50% American oak barriques (225 liters). This bottle was a magnum and sealed under cork.

The well-endowed, opaque purple-colored 1999 Shiraz The Armagh exhibits an intense bouquet of melted licorice, cassis, vanilla, blackberry ice cream, and smoky oak. In the mouth, it is full-bodied, opulent, rich, and tasty, with sweet tannin, adequate acidity, and a long, layered finish. It will drink well for 10-15 years. The high octane Shiraz cuvee called The Armagh is one of the finest examples from Clare Valley, as well as South Australia. Rich and dense, it routinely hits 14.5-15% alcohol. Importer: Negociants, USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993

Rich, dense and seductive for its layers and layers of fruit, packing in the ripe cherry, plum, berry and spice flavors, all tightly wound and waiting for more to come with cellaring. Drink now through 2012. 200 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Clare Valley Select to Add

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)—— 95