Description

Silky, powerful and hugely impressive, the 2016 Amon-Ra manages to pack a punch yet not be overbearing or too heavy.  This remarkable wine has wowed the critics and is a must try for lovers of this style – here’s a few reviews: 

“This is a wine of outstanding refinement. Ben readily admits that the early vintages of Amon-Ra were supposed to shock international wine commentators with their scale and impact. They certainly achieved their aim, but Ben knew that Amon-Ra really needed ratcheting back and this vintage shows the results of his gradual finessing and adding of detail. Cooler and longer with beautiful balance, this is a wine which will be sure to impress all-comers as opposed to just lovers of massive Barrosan reds. Using 95% new French and 5% new American oak hogsheads this wine has swallowed this carpentry whole and it shimmers with refinement in the glass. It justifiably gains my highest ever score for this label.” 19/20, Matthew Jukes
 
Dramatic, intense and powerful, the 2016 Amon Ra Shiraz recalls the 2004 in its youth, crammed with layers of fruit, complex, savory elements and rich, velvety tannins. It’s full-bodied, characterized by notes of grilled meat, espresso, black olive, cassis, vanilla, baking spices and an undercurrent of loamy earth. Yes, it’s unapologetically big and bold, the product of a warm, sunny climate and ripe grapes, but it does show a sense of decorum, restraint and elegance on the long finish. 96 points Wine Advocate.
 
“The Barossa Valley vintage was shaped by low rainfall, 72% of the long-term average. Despite the dry conditions and hot December and February, yields were average to above average (after four vintages with below average production). The generally ideal conditions for ripening, coupled with generous yields, resulted in one winery saying vintage was like ‘an intense chess game, juggling tank space to capture everything at optimal ripeness.’ Shiraz and grenache were nominated as outstanding, and most of the reporting wineries are hopeful that 2016 will become part of the Barossa’s fabled vintages.” Halliday Wine Companion