AMON-Ra Barossa Valley 2006 Shiraz (Glaetzer winery), $80.74-$94.99, 96 points, is a Syrah/Shiraz that transcends the trend I've been on, i.e. inexpensive wine and a decline in ratings.AMON-Ra has a color almost as mysterious as its name; it is deep dark garnet with rubies to the core and flashes of violet, but though the wine is a bit cloudy (unfiltered) there is yet a brilliance here.
The aroma is subtle, but pervasive with toasty spice and bright black fruit.
The near full-body has a gestalt of complexity that radiates throughout the wine experience and is a cinema, a spectacle, a drama that separates this Shiraz from the run-of-the-mill wine: a beautiful color, an enticing bouquet, a developing palate that is both deep and delicious, refreshing and (dare I say) cerebral, with damson plum, blackberry, sweet cherry, and licorice, but the finish explodes and lingers long with black and white pepper with hints of cayenne on tart cherry. The 14.5% alcohol is perfectly integrated and innocuous.
My son cooked a Roast pork tenderloin stuffed with mozzarella, and tomato onion chutney, over sautéed Broccoli with a tomato crème sauce, which paired nicely, though this wine, which is excellent by itself, will pair well with lamb or beef, or almost anything, in my opinion.
I found the Amon-Ra at store 33 in Manchester's North end.
Amon Ra 2006 Shiraz revisited
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They've only three from this winery in Sweden. All are '09's and none are Amon-Ra. 96 has got to be your highest in a long time, Dennis. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteHi Ben, you are indeed missed by all of us.
ReplyDelete96 points is my highest score of a wine, and so far, only this one; got to tell you something, but remember, those who don't like spice or dynamite will not like this wine.
Ben, there was one left south of Lebanon, I'll see if I can grab it for your summer visit.
ReplyDeleteCheers!