One of the great houses of the Barossa Valley, Two Hands relies the talented Michael Twelftree, one of Australia’s iconic makers of Shiraz. The story of Two Hands dates back to 1999 when founders Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz sat at a friend's engagement party and decided it was time to make their own wine and be judged by the world. We are all so glad that they did. Their Garden Series wines have been internationally known and immediately received critical acclaim as well as their ‘Angel’s Share’ Shiraz also getting great press. Two Hands’ first vintage was in 2000, after a modest $30k investment and starting with just 17 tonnes of fruit. The journey had started. Michael’s wine contacts in the US and UK helped launch the brand and also helped Two Hands increase production to launch their full Garden Series with the 2003 vintage. The rest has been history.
I had a chance to sit down and interview Michael at the last Hospice du Rhone festival two years ago. I had just tried their 2010 Two Hands ‘Ares’ Shiraz (OB, 99) which was one of the best wines I had tried all year and we talked about his history in wine as well as that special ‘Ares’ which he described as ‘liquid silk.’ Michael is kind-hearted and so knowledgable and I can imagine that he is so gratified to see where his brand stands today.
I recently had the chance to revisit the new Two Hands lineup and was really impressed with the overall quality. While I was not sent the Garden Series wines, the wines that I tried are more commonly found in the United States and offer seriously good value. I loved the 2018 Two Hands ‘Gnarly Dudes’ Shiraz (OB, 91) which has a great veil of freshness and a gorgeous sense of mouthfeel with pretty ripe red fruits. Just as good was the 2018 Two Hands ‘Angel’s Share’ Shiraz (OB, 92) which is dense and hedonistic, offering serious bang for the buck. Learn more about this iconic Aussie brand at https://www.twohandswines.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Two Hands.
2018 Two Hands ‘Gnarly Dudes’ Shiraz- Aged for twelve months in French oak (13% new), the 2018 Two Hands ‘Gnarly Dudes’ Shiraz shows lovely kirsch cordial and shades of strawberry puree that come together alongside the smoky and earthy undertones on this exotic nose. The palate is dense, showing off its plush mouthfeel. Ripe red berries collide with minerals and shades of lavender on the palate. The combination of weight and length is awesome here. Drink 2020-2027- 91
2016 Two Hands ‘Hopes and Dreams’ Red Wine- The avenue that links the Two Hands winery to its vineyards is known as the Avenue of Hopes and Dreams, lined with 100 year old date palms. The wine is a blend of mostly Grenache and Shiraz, with small portions Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre. Dense, vibrant and simply marvelous, the 2016 ‘Hopes and Dreams’ reveals layers of black and blue fruits with creosote and damp stone undertones. This is a seriously good value that will cellar well for another decade. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2018 Two Hands ‘Angels’ Share’ Shiraz- The 2018 ‘Angels’ Share’ by Two Hands is a seriously good new wine by their talented winemaking team. The nose shows deep dark fruits with shades of blueberry compote and espresso bean that all mingle in the glass. The brightness of the wine is lovely as the soft texture entices. Blueberry pie and black licorice flavors connect well with the lovely mouthfeel and long finish. Outstanding in its youth, the ‘Angels’ Share’ will provide drinking enjoyment over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2018 Two Hands ‘Sexy Beast’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Inky once in the glass, the beautiful new ‘Sexy Beast’ Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a dense core of scorched earth with blackberries, black cherry cordial and shades of tar with black licorice. Full-bodied and showing good freshness, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next seven plus years. Drink 2020-2027- 91