TN: Amon-Ra Vertical

AMON-RA VERTICAL - Kevin’s House (2/4/2012)

A solid effort but I would never do a vertical of Aussie wines again as these wines were similar and blended together. When I have done Aussie Shiraz tastings with all different producers they have always been great. Ben makes some nice wines overall and they showed well tonight. Of course our group (anti corked bottles) had one but of course Kevin had a backup which was perfect. Still can’t figure out the wine geek who brings a corked bottle to a tasting. It is called preview or have a back up. I look forward to the next Italian event.

  • 2002 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
    A solid effort with the most obvious eucalyptus nose of the bunch. Violets, crushed rock, licorice and mint. The main fruit component was blackberries. Medium finish and still another five years of life however I would drink now with this one. One hour double decant. (92 pts.)
  • 2003 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
    The best this wine has shown to date. Really four hours decanted and many times through MR. Vinturi. Blackpepper, spice, licorice, blueberries, raspberries and cedar. Lighter fruit than the rest of the wines and a solid medium finish. Five to ten year drinking window. (93 pts.)
  • 2004 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
    Dark purple. Best wine of the night with bing cherries, blackberries, pepper, violets, tobacco and crushed rock. Concentrated and intense wine. Long finish and picks up a charcoal note on the finish. Wonderful wine that should improve with ten more years in the cellar. (94 pts.)
  • 2005 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
    Not a good showing for this wine and about as interesting as a $15 Aussie Shiraz. Blackberries, spice and violets. Very light on the palate and lacks concentration. Medium finish and picks up some blueberries. As others have noted quite acidic for an Aussie Shiraz. For $15 I am a buyer but not at $50 plus. (89 pts.)
  • 2006 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
    A very good showing and this wine will improve and might eclipse the 04 in quality. This is the third time trying this wine and always solid. Floral, spice, blueberries, wood and minerals. Picked up a white pepper note on the palate and long finish. Concentrated wine and the only wine that kept improving over the course of three plus hours. Hold. (94 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Probably what happens to all Aussie Shiraz with age… turns into olive juice… blech. But I agree that the '05 Amon Ra was absolutely glorious in year one.

Tell that to the incredible 99 Penfolds Magill I had Friday night, or the 01 Clarendon Hills Piggot a couple of weeks prior. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.

Nice tasting. I’ve always enjoyed the Amon-Ra though the price point isn’t always worth it. IMO, the 2005 has always shown well - whether on release or today and I think it will continue to show well over time. It’s funny how I would actually reverse your “ratings” order as 02, 03, and 05 are my favorites with the 04 and 06 being weaker examples for my palate. I still like them all, but it shows that it all comes down to an individual’s palate.

Yeah, those Wendouree wines are just terrible with age. [snort.gif]

Nice tasting. I’ve always enjoyed the Amon-Ra though the price point isn’t always worth it. IMO, the 2005 has always shown well - whether on release or today and I think it will continue to show well over time. It’s funny how I would actually reverse your “ratings” order as 02, 03, and 05 are my favorites with the 04 and 06 being weaker examples for my palate. I still like them all, but it shows that it all comes down to an individual’s palate.

Brad,

I have found that these wines on release are really good and using the 09 as an example it would have scored as high for me as the 04 and 06. My friend said day 2 the 06 was even better and upgraded it. I think most of these wines will improve with some age whereas I don’t see that often with Aussie Shiraz wines in the $40/$60 range.