Amon Ra Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2003

As the King of all Gods, Amon-Ra is considered the most powerful figure in Egyptian mythology. The temple of Amon-Ra is recorded as the birthplace of commercial winemaking, having the first ever large scale vineyard grown specifically to make wine for the citizens of the temple.

The 2003 vintage in the Barossa was dominated by a single rainfall event in late February. Over 90% of the Shiraz berries split as a result of water uptake. The following intense heat caused massive dehydration, limiting the degree of balanced ripening. The decision was made to leave our Amon-Ra fruit on the vine until late April in an attempt to allow flavour development.

This risk proved effective, the resultant wine shows a vibrant black/purple colour, with aromas of pepper, plum and lifted, animated fruit.

Matured for 14 months in 80% French oak (largely from small Burgundian coopers), and 20% American oak which has been French coopered.

A firm structure of ripe and supple tannins provide support to lashings of blackcurrant and nutmeg.

The tannin structure and sheer fruit weight of the wine will enable long-term cellaring.

Technical Details

Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.59
Acidity: 6.7 g/l
Residual Sugar: 0.8g/l