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. The original aim was, and still is, to make the best possible Shiraz-based wines from prized growing regions throughout Australia. With so much Australian wine being sold around the globe under multi-region labels in a formulaic style, the intention was to break the mould and showcase the diversity of Australian Shiraz by highlighting regional and vineyard characteristics by allowing the fruit to be the primary feature of the wines.

Winemaking

The Holy Grail Shiraz comes from the Estate Single Vineyard in the sub-region of Seppeltsfield, in the Barossa Valley. The first part of this site was purchased by the winery in 2008 and included 52 acres of vacant land. The vision was to wait until resources permitted and plant this Ares of land as specifically as possible. Just before the 2015 vintage a further 37 acres of land were purchased, which included 16 acres of established Shiraz vines. This vineyard produced 27 tonnes in its first vintage, with fruit going into My Hands, Ares, Single Vineyard and a few barrels to Bella’s garden.Seppeltsfield sub-region. 22-year-old vines growing at an altitude of 250 m. Average rainfall of 450-500 mm. Predominantly rich red/brown clay soil.

Tasting notes

At the peak of its culmination, this “Holy Grail” expresses itself with the utmost authenticity. Completely successful, its silky tannins and refinement combine with perfumes of candied black fruits, sweet spices and garrigue, all in a perfectly balanced woody touch of very high class. We appreciate this richness, the elegance of the tannins, the positive evolution of this sumptuous Syrah that bursts with energy. The finish is phenomenal with these notes of black fruits, spices and hints of herbs that linger in the mouth for several minutes. A great bottle to savour on a great occasion!