The Eye of Rã 2018 Shiraz stands as a testament to Ben Glaetzer's unwavering pursuit of crafting the quintessential Barossa Shiraz. This exceptional wine is crafted from 100% Shiraz grapes carefully selected from four exceptional vineyards in the renowned Ebenezer sub-district, situated at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley.

The grapes used for this wine were hand-harvested from low-yielding vines, some of which have gracefully aged up to 110 years. These vineyards predominantly feature deep sandy soils with a distinct red-brown texture, known as contrast soils, contributing to the wine's exceptional quality. This quality is marked by an intense depth of color, astonishing aromatic purity, and a vibrant brightness on the palate.

To maintain the integrity of these exceptional grapes, each parcel was fermented separately in small open fermenters, with gentle hand plunging occurring three times a day. The fermentation process was meticulously controlled, with temperatures kept below 18 degrees Celsius to enhance the wine's fresh aromatic profile without extracting excessive tannins.

Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 16 months in 100% new French oak hogsheads. Natural malolactic fermentation continued in oak during maturation. These fine-grained French hogsheads were of the highest quality, with carefully selected tannin profiles chosen to best express the unique flavors of each parcel.

In the glass, the wine presents an inky, opaque purple hue with captivating red accents. Its aromas are commanding and expressive, with subtle herbaceous notes that complement a core of dark berry fruit. On the palate, polished tannins provide balance to the dominant fruit character. Layers of blackberries intertwine with red fruit notes, while hints of mocha, licorice, and freshly-cut cedar add complexity to the tasting experience. With further cellaring in the bottle, this wine promises to evolve, offering increased complexity and even greater enjoyment to those who savor it.