Ben Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz 2014
An exceptional, limited-production Shiraz from Australia's renowned Barossa Valley, crafted by acclaimed winemaker Ben Glaetzer. The 2014 Amon-Ra combines extraordinary dark-fruit concentration, savoury complexity and beautifully structured tannins, delivering a powerful yet elegant expression of old-vine Australian Shiraz.
Awarded 96+ points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, this highly regarded vintage emerged from a challenging, low-yielding growing season, producing a wine of remarkable intensity, balance and long-term ageing potential.
Produced from 100% dry-grown Shiraz sourced from the Ebenezer district of the northern Barossa Valley, Amon-Ra draws upon exceptionally old vineyards containing vines approximately 50–130 years of age.
These mature, naturally low-yielding vines produce small quantities of intensely flavoured fruit, contributing to the wine's depth, complexity and distinctive regional character.
Now benefiting from more than a decade of bottle development, the 2014 Amon-Ra offers an attractive opportunity to experience a mature, highly regarded vintage while retaining excellent further cellaring potential.
Australia
Barossa Valley
Shiraz
750ml
15%
2014Ben Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz 2014 is an outstanding expression of the celebrated Ebenezer district in the northern Barossa Valley, where some of Australia's oldest surviving Shiraz vines produce wines of exceptional concentration and character.
Amon-Ra is the flagship wine of Glaetzer Wines, a family-owned producer whose Barossa Valley heritage dates to 1888. Under the direction of winemaker Ben Glaetzer, the estate has established an international reputation for producing richly concentrated, beautifully balanced wines that showcase the extraordinary quality of the region's old-vine vineyards.
Named after Amon-Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, the wine reflects the importance of sunlight in nurturing the Barossa's historic vineyards. Its distinctive Eye of Horus label has become an internationally recognised symbol of the estate's flagship Shiraz.
The 2014 growing season began promisingly, with early spring rainfall replenishing soil moisture and encouraging healthy vine development. However, a severe overnight frost in early October caused significant damage across important vineyard sites, dramatically reducing potential yields.
A further challenge arrived in late January, when a period of exceptionally hot weather placed additional pressure on the surviving vines. Fortunately, rainfall in mid-February helped restore balance and encouraged a slower, more even final ripening period.
Although production was considerably reduced, the fruit harvested in March displayed remarkable concentration, purity and aromatic intensity.
The resulting 2014 Amon-Ra is a particularly compelling expression of the vintage, combining concentrated black fruit, dark chocolate and savoury spice with freshness, finely structured tannins and impressive length.
A powerful, full-bodied Australian Shiraz combining extraordinary fruit concentration with elegance, freshness and beautifully structured tannins.
The 2014 vintage displays the richness and intensity associated with old-vine Barossa Shiraz, complemented by savoury mineral notes, dark chocolate and complex spice.
Despite its considerable depth, the wine retains balance and precision, with fine acidity and polished tannins providing structure and definition.
- Appearance: Deep, dark purple with an intense, almost opaque core.
- Nose: Lavish aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and dark plum, complemented by dark chocolate, dried spice, liquorice and subtle earthy undertones.
- Palate: Full-bodied and multidimensional, revealing concentrated black fruits alongside charcoal, graphite, dark chocolate and savoury spice. Fresh acidity provides balance, while finely textured tannins give the wine impressive structure.
- Texture: Rich, powerful and beautifully layered, with generous concentration balanced by polished, savoury tannins.
- Finish: Exceptionally long and persistent, with lingering dark fruit, chocolate, mineral complexity and warming spice.
- Grilled Ribeye Steak: The wine's concentrated black fruit and structured tannins complement the richness and marbling of premium beef.
- Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder: Rosemary, garlic and slow-roasted lamb enhance the wine's savoury spice and rich fruit character.
- Braised Beef Short Ribs: The depth and intensity of slow-cooked beef provide an excellent match for the wine's concentration and tannic structure.
- Venison: Roasted venison or game dishes complement its dark berry flavours, earthy complexity and savoury undertones.
- Barbecued Beef Brisket: Smoky, slow-cooked beef pairs beautifully with the wine's dark chocolate, spice and charcoal notes.
- Mature Hard Cheeses: Aged cheddar and other robust hard cheeses balance the wine's powerful fruit and structured tannins.
- Serving Temperature: 16–18°C, allowing the wine's rich aromas and complex flavours to develop while maintaining freshness.
- Decanting: Approximately 1–2 hours is a useful starting point. Given the wine's age, decant gently and assess its development, particularly if sediment is present.
- Glassware: Serve in a generous Bordeaux-style or full-bodied red wine glass to allow its concentrated aromas to unfold.
- Drinking Window: Enjoy now with suitable aeration or continue cellaring under appropriate conditions. Glaetzer originally indicated cellaring potential exceeding 20 years, while published critical assessments suggest the wine may continue developing well into the coming decades.
- Storage: Keep bottles horizontally in a cool, dark environment with stable temperatures, ideally around 12–14°C.
5 The Market Place
Derrylin
Enniskillen BT92 9AN
United Kingdom
