2018 Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz, Barossa Valley

From vines 50-130yo in Ebenezer yielding 2t/ha, open-fermented, hand-plunged three times daily, matured for 16 months in new hogsheads (5% American). Full-bodied to the point where it's difficult to give any guidance for cellaring time. Similarly, what will be the quality of the wine as it steadily develops, the points somewhere in the middle of the range of possibilities.

95 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

Certainly one of the best vintages of young Amon Ra I've ever tasted, the 2018 Amon Ra Shiraz is a stupendous effort. From old vines in the Ebenezer section of the northern Barossa, it starts off with a whirlwind of mocha, blackberry and dried spices, then actually gets more red-fruited as it sits in the glass. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated without being jammy or overdone, the wine finishes long and savory, framed by dusty tannins and mouthwatering black olives. Winemaker Ben Glaetzer compares 2018 to 2004 (which continues to drink well). Expect the 2018 to drink well young, but easily age through 2035, perhaps longer.

98 points Joe Czerwinski robertparker.com Aug 2020 Drink 2021-2035

Deep, dense, glass staining purple/red colour, with a rich dark chocolate and graphite bouquet which is ripe and oak-infused - but not 'oaky'. The palate is also very rich and ripely fruit-sweet, lush and very lovely. A sumptuous wine that will age long-term but also gives great pleasure now. 22 JUL 2020 Drink 2020–2035

96 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

2018 Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz from the Barossa Valley is a monumental wine that showcases both the power and purity of old-vine Shiraz. Crafted by Ben Glaetzer, one of Australia’s most acclaimed winemakers, this flagship cuvée embodies the philosophy that great wine comes from great vineyards. Amon-Ra is named after the Egyptian god of sun and creation, symbolising both the ancient roots of the vines and the timeless intensity of the Barossa.

The fruit comes from exceptional vineyards in the northern Barossa, primarily Ebenezer, where vines aged between fifty and one hundred and thirty years yield incredibly concentrated fruit in small quantities. The 2018 vintage was a standout year, producing fruit of perfect ripeness and natural balance. After hand harvesting, the wine was fermented in small open fermenters, then matured for sixteen months in new French and American oak hogsheads to build complexity and structure.

In the glass it shows a dense purple-black hue. The aroma is profound, with layers of blackberry, black plum, liquorice, espresso, dark chocolate, and cedar, lifted by hints of spice and violets. The palate is full bodied and opulent, yet perfectly balanced by firm, fine tannins and fresh acidity. Flavours of black fruit, mocha, and exotic spice unfold in waves, leading to an immensely long, elegant finish. Despite its richness, the wine retains remarkable poise and precision.

It pairs beautifully with slow-cooked beef, venison, or chargrilled lamb, and is equally impressive alongside aged cheeses or dark chocolate. Amon-Ra is built for longevity, with cellaring potential of twenty years or more, during which it will evolve into a seamless, savoury masterpiece.