Amon Ra, 2012, Barossa Valley
Shiraz
In Egyyptian mythology, Amun (or Amon) was a major ancient Egyptian deity and Ra was the ancient Egyptian deity of the sun. In the 16th century BC, Amun combined with Ra and resulted in Amun-Ra (or Amon-Ra), the King of Gods. So calling your wine Amon Ra, is a bold move. Can this wine live up to these high expectations? Thankfully this wine does not disappoint, at all.
Ben Glaetzer is very well known and respected in the Australian wine world. He comes from a family of winemakers, including his father and two brothers. He started his career as a cellar hand at Barossa Valley Estate and Tyrell’s wineries. In 1995 Colin Glaetzer (Ben’s father) and his family set up Glaetzer Wines. After travelling the world's wine regions, Ben Glaetzer returned to the family wine business where he is now chief winemaker at Glaetzer wines. Ben Glaetzer has already received many accolades throughout his young career. In 2004 he was named Qantas Young Winemaker of the Year and in 2005, Robert Parker named him ‘Wine personality of the Year’.
Glaetzer wines have a relatively small portfolio of wines, 4 wines under the Glaetzer wine label. They produce 2 pure shirazes, a shiraz/grenache and a shiraz/cabernet. Their two premium offerings are the Amon Ra (pure shiraz) and the Anaperenna (Shiraz and Cabernet sauvignon).
So today’s review is all about the Amon Ra, the flagship wine from Glaetzer.
The symbol on the front of the label is the all-seeing eye of Horus, a powerful Egyptian symbol of protection. It is represented as a figure with six parts, corresponding to what Egyptians regarded as the six senses; touch, taste, hearing, sight, smell and thought. Ben Glaetzer’s aim was to create a wine to appeal to all these six senses.
Amon-Ra is a big, muscular wine, in classic old Barossa style, with the volume turned up to 11! However, this is not a brash, over fruited example. The fruit and power is balanced with a complexity and elegance that leads to a long and smooth lingering finish. It is a full bodied and opulent wine with flavours of blueberries, plums and dark cherry.
This wine is on the more expensive side but it is one of the best examples available of this style of wine. Highly recommended!
Score: 98
Price:
- UK: £60 (Amazon Link)
- AUS: $80
- US: $95
Wine specification:
- Grape variety: 100% Shiraz
- Region: Ebenezer sub district of the Barossa valley, South Australia
- Vintage 2012
- Ageing: 95 % French Oak & 5% American Oak
- Alcohol: 15%
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