Glaetzer 'Amon-Ra' Shiraz

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This shiraz shows balance, texture, drive and vivacity. Dark cherries, blackberries, wild herbs and baking spices on the nose, following through to a full body with fine tannins. Refined texture here, with fleshy berry character mingling with spices and herbs on the focused palate. Well driven and precise with a long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold.

As dense in color as it is in aroma and flavor, this latest vintage is a rich, chocolatey, oak lacquered wine that oozes raisiny, plummy fruit, dried violets, black licorice, chocolate cake and oak spice. There's a wealth of acid and tannin structure, coupled with plump fruit and a wood spice finish to set this wine up for plenty of years in the cellar. Drink 2020–2038 and likely beyond. Christina Pickard

This 100% Shiraz comes from the Ebenezer district, of vines ranging from 50 to 130 years old. Plenty of work goes into the wine in the winery, with three-times-daily hand plunging and maturation in 100% new oak — 95% French and 5% American. The small amount of American oak seems to make an important contribution to the overall feel of the wine. The nose displays blackberry, plummy, slightly peppery, spicy characters that are immediately complex. The super-saturated palate is rich, concentrated, and immensely powerful, capturing and harnessing those dark-fruit characters with the support of ample but integrated oak and fine, firmish, chalky tannins. It all hangs together beautifully, producing a wine that will handle extended cellaring.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate brightening on the rim. Attractive bouquet of black forest berries, noble wood, nuances of eucalyptus in the background, floral touch, subtle toasted nuances, blackberries. Textured, fruity, yet elegant and freshly structured, ripe tannins, very good length, fine nougat in the echo, animating style with good ageing potential.