2003 Barossa Valley Shiraz

Another amazing wine, the 2003 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley is big and fat with licorice, dark fruit and blueberry aromas backed up by stunning oak and vanilla notes. Full bodied with a soft, lush, sexy feel and a killer finish.

This is Ben Glaetzer’s super-modern Shiraz – full-on fruit matured in French oak (which is being used more and more for all the Glaetzer wines) . This uses Ebenezer fruit, too, but to very different effect – much more dramatic and sweet, and at alcohol levels not much below 15 per cent. Very sweet and mocha – perhaps best drunk as a nightcap. (JR)

Very dark glowing purple. Sweet and spicy but not terribly evolved. Some floral notes – very brutal style. More middle than Penfolds RWT, which is slightly resembles, but there is a lack of fresh fruit. This wine gives the impression that, like Riesling no 8, it will just stick at this point forever. Rather painful to have in the mouth thanks to its gripping tannins. Impressive but no fun. Later – Ben Glaetzer’s own baby. I much prefer his newer Godolphin 2004 Shiraz/Cabernet. (JR)