2016 Glaetzer Eye of Ra Shiraz

The first release of Ben Glaetzer’s ultra premium Shiraz, Eye of Ra is only produced in extraordinary vintages when the quality is deemed to be beyond exceptional. Fruit was sourced from four outstanding vineyards out of the famed Ebenezer sub district at the northern tip of the Barossa  Valley with vines aged up to 110 years old. Maturation took place in 100% new French oak hogsheads for a period of 16 months.
Magnificent density of colour featuring an impenetrable inky black heart and an equally deep dark red black hue. Powerful aromatics of ripe blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and dark chocolate waft out of the glass with notions of vanillin oak, mocha and spicy earth ensuing. Exceptionally concentrated, deep and structured the palate is engulfed with wave upon wave of blackberry, liquorice and black plum fruits which are backed by a stern, muscular framework of tannins. Chiming in on the back half are notions of toasty vanillin oak, boot polish like characters reminiscent of Penfolds Grange, earthy mocha and spicy pepper. Superb drive and torque with an exceptionally long, firmly built finish.
Cellar 10-15 years.
Alc. 15.5%

Other Reviews….
Bottled but not yet labeled, with a possible release set for mid-2019, Glaetzer's 2016 The Eye of Ra Shiraz boasts classy notes of pencil shavings and dark, plummy fruit. From 85-year-old vines, it's full-bodied, rich and creamy, loaded with vanilla-tinged French oak but balanced by blueberries and blackberries and ending with lasting hints of mocha and licorice. It returns Glaetzer's traditional Barossa winemaking to a new level of quality and elegance without sacrificing power or guts. Drink 2020-2035.
98 points
Joe Czerwinski – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

2016 The Eye of Ra is a 100% Shiraz, using 100% French oak and all of the fruit comes from Ebenezer. This wine is made from the finest parcel of fruit that Ben has ever seen in his vineyard. Outstanding aromatics lead the way and the palate is nothing short of spellbinding. The finish has epic freshness and the tannins are like nothing I have encountered  before from the great Glaetzer portfolio. The Eye of Ra is all about power countered with impeccable restraint and I can still recall all of its flavours several weeks later. It is one of a number of wines that I have seen lately which signal a new and fascinating epoch for Barossa Shiraz. I followed this wine over three hours that evening and it never stopped evolving in the glass. This celestial wine made a huge impression on me and it is hard for me to see how this wine can be bettered and so I am overjoyed to give it a perfect score.
20+/20
Matthew Jukes