Picture Series from Two Hands Wines, South Australia.
"We used to make wines that yell, now we make wines that charm."
-Michael Twelftree
This month I enjoyed three Australian wines from Two Hands Wines Picture Series. Every wine in the Picture Series has its own inspiration and take on popular culture. With some old school Polaroid imagery by photographer Don Brice. The aim is to bring a smile to your face when you pick up the bottle, reminding you that wines should be approachable and of course… fun.
Michael Twelftree from @twohandswine joined us on #winechat as we tasted and chatted about three of his wines; 2014 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz, 2014 Angels Share Shiraz and 2015 Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon. Two Hands Wines has an extensive portfolio, the wines we focused on are from their introductory line. Thank you for sharing Michael.
Also, thank you to Christina Portz @JusttheBottle, director of #winechat, for the invitation to participate in this fun and educational twitter tasting. Christina reviews and writes about food, wine and spirits; and pours at tastings and events educating guests while sharing her love for wine. Her writing has been featured in DC Wine Week and Brightest Young Things. www.justthebottle.com
#Winechat is a great opportunity for novice to experienced wine lovers to join in a discussion. Participants include winemakers, importers, bloggers, retailers and more. It takes place every other Wednesday from 9:00pm - 10:00pm ET/6:00pm - 7:00pm PT/GMT+5. Every other week a new topic is discussed. Topics vary from wine closures to wine regions and more. The chat allows an honest and active conversation to happen between and among guest/consumers, winemakers, importers, and distributors. You are invited.
The idea for Two Hands was born in September 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 market it on the world stage. In November 2012, Two Hands was named in Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 list for the 10th consecutive year. Two Hands Wines is owned by Michael Twelftree, together with Colorado native Tim Hower.
"Barossa Valley, South Australia stunningly beautiful, vines feel right here."
-Michael Twelftree
TASTING NOTES
1. 2014 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz Barossa Valley
Nose: Savory nose with currant, orange peel, graphite, dried cherries, perfume and light clove.
Palate: Smooth attack, viscosity, currant and cherry, delicate tannin, plum, some heat, not as heavy as expected. Pretty finish, elegant with blueberries and fig. Began to show off after 15 minutes. No monster Shiraz here. Like at first taste. Bigger like even as this wine opened, this wine grew on me. That darn charming finish really drew me in. Yeah, big like.
Day three: Elegant still, dark berries, polished, fine tannin, supple, blueberries and chocolate cherries on the finish. Right on, my speed. Drink me now.
Thoughts: If you are looking for an elegant, ready to drink now, Australian Shiraz, look no further. the 2014 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz Barossa Valley delivered taste and finish. It also has life if you want to keep some bottles for the next five years. Strongly Recommended.
Closure: Screw Cap.
ABV: 13.8%
SRP: $30
Sample provided by winery
2. 2014 Angels Share Shiraz McLaren Vale
"It's all tannin quality to me, the later you pick the more your tannins become soupy."
-Michael Twelftree
Nose: Lovely, spice, juniper, lavender, dried blueberries, tarragon, tantalizing freshness.
After 20 minutes: Coffee, chocolate mocha with a hint of peppermint on the aromatics, sweeter mid-palate that led to slightly sweeter tannin.
Palate: Accurate description from the winery, see above. Light mid-palate, focus to front, blueberries, licorice, pleasant tannin on gums and tongue. Like. Pretty nose. Big like.
Day two: Berries, dark notes, blueberries with shaved dark chocolate, licorice in the background, dab of tobacco and graphite, fine tannin on roof of mouth, medium finish.
Day three: Full of life, pleasantly dry, tartness, lip smacking, bright blueberries, pleasant grip under lips, cassis into the fresh finish. Wants food.
Day 9: Dark, almost inky color. Dark spicy nose. Rich and concentrated flavors, on the spicy, meaty side, with strong fruit and focus, pleasantly dry across the palate, dark fruit tar on the long finish. Impressed.
Thoughts: Buy and don't drink! Put this bad boy in your cellar for up to 10 years. This is a winner and should be even better if you wait to drink. Strongly Recommended.
Closure: Screw Cap.
ABV: 14.8%
SRP: $30
Sample provided by winery
3. 2015 Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale
"The name is from my favourite english arthouse film, watched it lasts week. Ben Kingsley's best role."
-Michael Twelftree
Nose: Sexy nose, focused, tantalizing, cherry cordial, mint, hint of orange peel, earthy terracotta.
Palate at 40 minutes: Polished, fine velvety tannin on tongue and teeth, nice bite mid-palate, groovy cherries dancing, cassis down the middle, tongue very happy, mouth filling wine, great finish.
Day two: Dry, grippy top of mouth, still has that cool cherry action and note of cassis. Wants a tender steak and I'm willing to oblige. Medium-long finish.
Day three: Classic Cabernet Sauvignon nose, lightly candied. Round, dry, cherry pips, orange essence, lively, leather, plum, blackberries, dry medium finish. Wants food too. Willing to oblige.
Day 6: Rocking good. Shiny goodness, as I slowly slid my nose into the glass, I was welcomed by obliging aromas of sultry ripe cherry, moist earth, fragrant violets, honeycomb and body perfume. Supple on the tongue with velvety tannin, comforting weight, appealing life on the edges, dried cherries covered with rich chocolate on slate, a dusting of vanilla and orange peel, medium-long finish. Big Like!
Thoughts: Drink now for an enjoyable experience. Cellar for 5 years for an amazing experience. Recommended today. Strongly Recommended 2019 - 2022.
Closure: Screw Cap.
ABV: 14.5%
SRP: $30
Sample provided by winery
VISIT TWO HANDS WINES
Enjoy a structured but relaxed tasting with a knowledgeable and friendly team in Marananga in the Barossa Valley. Kraehe House, a late 19th century stone cottage with its adjoining bakehouse, is open for tastings and sales from 10am to 5pm, seven days a week. With the state of the art interior complemented by the stunning tasting deck at the back of the building, Two Hands Wines provides a beautiful setting amongst the vineyards of the Western Ranges.
Visitors will enjoy an intimate, informative tasting throughout the portfolio, from the Picture Series to the Flagship Series wines. With the ‘Showroom Only’ wines and the latest offerings from the Twelftree range of Grenaches, there is always something new to sample. A modest fee of $10 is charged when participating in a structured tasting, and after being hosted through their tasting experience, guests will be given a complimentary tasting glass, printed with the Two Hands logo and packaged in a bespoke canister to take away with them as a memento of their visit.
Two Hands Wines
273 Neldner Road
Marananga, South Australia, 5355
Phone: +61 8 8562 4566
Email: cellardoor@twohandswines.com
www.twohandswines.com
#winechat
For future #winechat tastings, to suggest topics, offer samples, offer to host, or for further information please contact @JusttheBottle, Christina Portz, directly at christinaportz[@}gmail.com.
Cheers!