Ben Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz 2016
An exceptional old-vine Shiraz from Australia's renowned Barossa Valley, crafted by acclaimed winemaker Ben Glaetzer. The 2016 Amon-Ra is a magnificent expression of power, elegance and complexity, combining concentrated dark fruit, beautifully integrated oak and refined tannins.
Awarded 96 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, this outstanding vintage offers remarkable depth, structure and ageing potential, making it a superb choice for enthusiasts of premium Australian Shiraz.
Produced from 100% Shiraz grown in the Ebenezer district, Amon-Ra is sourced from low-yielding vineyards containing vines approximately 50–130 years old.
These established vineyards naturally produce small quantities of highly concentrated fruit, contributing to the wine's depth, intensity and distinctive expression of the northern Barossa.
With a decade of development since the vintage, the 2016 is entering an increasingly attractive stage of maturity while retaining the concentration and structure for further cellaring.
Australia
Barossa Valley
Shiraz
750ml
15%
2016Ben Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz 2016 is a distinguished expression of one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions, produced from exceptionally old Shiraz vines in the Ebenezer district of the northern Barossa Valley.
Amon-Ra is the flagship wine of Glaetzer Wines, a family-owned producer renowned for its dedication to crafting intensely concentrated yet beautifully balanced wines from some of the Barossa's oldest vineyards.
The wine takes its name from Amon-Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, reflecting the importance of sunlight in the development of the region's extraordinary old-vine fruit. Its distinctive Eye of Horus label has become an internationally recognised symbol of the estate's flagship Shiraz.
The 2016 growing season in the Barossa Valley was characterised by a warm, dry spring and an early start to ripening, followed by more moderate conditions that helped the grapes achieve excellent flavour development.
Despite the season's warmth, the resulting wines retained impressive freshness, vibrant fruit character and fine structural balance.
For Amon-Ra, these conditions produced Shiraz of exceptional concentration, with intensely flavoured dark fruit, rich texture and beautifully developed tannins.
The 2016 vintage is particularly admired for combining the generous richness associated with Barossa Shiraz with elegance, precision and remarkable ageing potential.
A powerful, full-bodied Australian Shiraz displaying exceptional fruit concentration, refined tannins and beautifully integrated oak.
The 2016 vintage combines the generosity and richness of classic Barossa Shiraz with impressive freshness, elegance and structural precision.
Layers of ripe black fruit, dark chocolate, liquorice and warming spice are supported by a firm tannic backbone, giving the wine both immediate appeal and excellent ageing potential.
- Appearance: Deep crimson-purple with an intense, almost opaque centre.
- Nose: Rich aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and dark plum, complemented by dark chocolate, liquorice, espresso, black pepper and subtle oak spice.
- Palate: Generous and concentrated, revealing layers of ripe black berries, plum, mocha and savoury spice. Fine acidity provides freshness, while firm yet polished tannins lend structure and definition.
- Texture: Full-bodied, dense and beautifully layered, with a luxurious mouthfeel and well-integrated tannins.
- Finish: Exceptionally long and persistent, with lingering dark fruit, chocolate, spice and subtle earthy complexity.
- Grilled Ribeye Steak: The wine's powerful dark 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 concentrated fruit character.
- Braised Beef Short Ribs: The richness of slow-cooked beef pairs beautifully with the wine's depth, texture and firm structure.
- Venison: Roasted venison or game dishes complement its dark berry flavours and subtle earthy complexity.
- Barbecued Beef Brisket: Smoky, slow-cooked beef provides an excellent match for the wine's spice, oak and concentrated fruit.
- Mature Hard Cheeses: Aged cheddar and other robust hard cheeses balance the wine's tannins and richness.
- Serving Temperature: 16–18°C, allowing the wine's complex aromas and flavours to develop without excessive warmth.
- Decanting: Approximately 1–2 hours is recommended to allow the wine to open fully. With older bottles, decant gently and check for sediment.
- Glassware: Serve in a generous Bordeaux-style or full-bodied red wine glass.
- Drinking Window: Enjoy now with appropriate aeration, or continue cellaring under suitable conditions. The wine has the structure and concentration to develop further over the coming years.
- Storage: Keep bottles horizontally in a cool, dark environment with stable temperatures, ideally around 12–14°C.
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