Shiraz
75cl * Vegan * 15.5% ABV * South Australia
Amon-Ra Shiraz is an iconic wine that epitomises Ben Glaetzer’s passion to create wines that are full flavoured, multi layered and intense but still elegant, stylish and finely balanced. Exceptional old vine fruit up to 130 years old - was sourced from the famed Ebenezer sub district at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley. Bottled unfiltered to ensure minimal intervention with the wine’s natural characteristics.
In Egyptian mythology, Amon-Ra is considered to be the king of all gods. The temple of Amon-Ra was believed to be the first temple to ever plant a monoculture vineyard to produce wine for the citizens of the temple.
The eye on front of the label is the all-seeing eye of Horus or wedjat ("whole one") - 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.
Deep purple in youth, will evolve to a lovely dark red hue with maturation. Blood plum showing hints of dark cherries and dried garden herbs. Rich and mouthcoating yet with the balance, finesse and elegance that epitomises Amon-Ra. An earthy spice complements the brooding dark fruit flavours.
A wine that will develop beautifully with long term cellaring through to 2045.
Pair with steak, rare beef (this is a wine that can stand up to the punchiest horseradish sauce), lamb, game and richer vegetarian dishes such as grilled aubergine/ courgettes, chestnut casserole or harissa spiced cauliflower steak. It would also pair with Italian dishes as it has a lovely fresh acidity.
The Taurus team were lucky enough to taste this with Nick Keukenmeester from Glaetzer and loved the wine's huge intensity and herbaceous character. Nick recommends a five hour decant if you have the patience!