Deep garnet-black in color, the 2004 Amon-Ra exudes lovely dark fruit, spice box and anise notes over kirsch, creme de cassis and mincemeat, plus a savory and meaty whiff. Full-bodied, it is generous and rich in the mouth with bright acid and a medium-firm level of fine-grained tannins. It finishes long and fine. Drink it now until 2022+ LPB #205 Feb 13 >

Still looking fresh and complete, Glaetzer's 2004 Amon Ra Shiraz is full-bodied, rich and dark-fruited, with black cherry and plum fruit forming the base, while grace notes of baking spices, mocha and cedar play about the edges. Creamy and velvety in texture, with a long finish, it remains at its peak and should continue to drink well for another decade or more.

Glorious purple-red; proclaims its old vine origins from the word go, and carries its alcohol. A rich, sumptuous cascade of blackberry, plum, chocolate and quality oak. Drink by 2025.

- James Halliday (winecompanion.com.au) tasted Oct 2005

Called after the Egyptian king of all gods and made from vines more than 100 years old and hand-reared with malolactic in oak and all the trimmings. Unfiltered . Very sweet and almost syrupy with pronounced acidity. Ultra-modern as opposed to the classicism of the wine immediately above. Tannins quite obtrusive at the moment. Glamorous but jagged. A wine to admire rather than glug perhaps. Drying, sandpaper finish with quite a bit of heat. (JR)

corked.