Ben Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz 2008

Retained in original cardboard case packaging (OCB), with bottles held as part of a privately maintained wine collection. The wine is offered in its original 75cl bottle format, with UK duty paid and VAT included in the advertised retail price. Individual bottles will be securely repacked for dispatch, with original cardboard cases retained for storage.

Glaetzer Wines is one of the Barossa Valley's most respected family-owned producers, with a winemaking heritage stretching back to 1888, when the Glaetzer family first settled in South Australia.

Under the direction of Ben Glaetzer, the estate has developed an international reputation for crafting wines of exceptional concentration, elegance and ageing potential.

Amon-Ra is the producer's flagship Shiraz, sourced from exceptionally old vineyards in the Ebenezer district at the northern end of the Barossa Valley.

These historic vineyards, many planted generations ago, produce naturally low yields of intensely flavoured fruit. Their maturity and deep-established root systems contribute to the distinctive concentration, structure and complexity associated with Amon-Ra.

The wine takes its name from Amon-Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, reflecting the importance of sunlight in nurturing the region's vineyards. Its distinctive Eye of Horus label has become an internationally recognised symbol of the estate's premium Shiraz.

Through meticulous vineyard selection, careful fermentation and extended oak maturation, Ben Glaetzer produces a wine that combines the generosity of classic Barossa Shiraz with balance, precision and impressive longevity.

The 2008 vintage produced richly concentrated Shiraz in the Barossa Valley, with the region's established old vineyards delivering fruit of considerable intensity and depth.

The resulting Amon-Ra displays the powerful dark-fruit character for which the producer is renowned, complemented by lively acidity, savoury complexity and firm, velvety tannins.

At release, the wine was characterised by its deep colour, generous blackberry and dark plum flavours, aromatic spice and substantial structure.

With extended bottle ageing, the 2008 has had the opportunity to develop beyond its youthful fruit concentration, potentially revealing more complex notes of leather, earth, dried spice and savoury character.

The wine's original critical assessments highlighted its impressive balance between richness and freshness, a particularly important quality for long-term development.

At 18 years from vintage, the 2008 offers an opportunity to explore a mature expression of one of Australia's most recognisable premium Shiraz wines.

As with all mature bottles, the precise stage of development will depend on individual bottle condition and storage history.

96 Points — James Halliday

95 Points — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, February 2013)

The bottles have been retained in their original cardboard cases (OCB), providing continuity of packaging throughout their period in private storage.

Held as part of a privately maintained wine collection, the wine is physically available in the United Kingdom and is fully Duty Paid.

Ben Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz 2008 represents an appealing opportunity to acquire a mature vintage of one of Australia's best-known premium Shiraz wines.

Produced from old-vine fruit in the historic Ebenezer district, Amon-Ra has earned an international following for its combination of power, concentration and elegance.

The 2008 vintage is particularly interesting for enthusiasts wishing to explore how this distinctive Barossa style develops with extended bottle age.

Its strong original critical reception, established producer reputation and original-case storage make it a worthwhile addition to a collection of mature Australian reds.

While Amon-Ra is not produced in the exceptionally limited quantities associated with some of the world's rarest wines, older vintages in well-preserved condition can be increasingly difficult to source through conventional retail channels.

This bottle is particularly suited to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate mature, full-bodied Shiraz with developed savoury complexity.

Physically held in stock and available for individual-bottle purchase.

All bottles are UK Duty Paid, with VAT included in the advertised selling price.

Individual bottles will be carefully repacked using protective wine shipping materials appropriate for mature and collectible wines.

Original cardboard cases are retained for storage and are not included with individual-bottle orders.

Customers purchasing mature wines are welcome to request additional condition photographs before dispatch.

Delivery and collection are available in accordance with our standard terms.