Wednesday, January 22, 2020 —The early start to winter makes the wine lover’s thoughts turn to hearty wines like Shiraz. And where better to look for stellar Shiraz than Australia’s Barossa & McLaren Vale. Register now

We are delighted to offer this tasting of rising legend Two Hands winery’s Shiraz. It is a highly acclaimed winery rooted in Borassa and McLaren. Originally founded just before the turn of the 21st century by Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz, success came quickly at home and abroad. The winery has also spread its wings beyond Barossa & McLaren Vale across the wine regions of South Australia.

Numerous accolades continued, including Robert Parker famously naming Two Hands “the finest négociant south of the equator’’, and demand around the world surged as the wines expanded into export markets throughout Europe, Asia, North America and, of course, at home in Australia. In November 2012, Two Hands was named in the Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 for the 10th consecutive year, an achievement apparently without equal.

Shiraz was their initial focus and remains their core today. The wines are not for the faint of heart – these are big, even massive, wines (can exceed 15% alcohol), but with the polish to attract high Parker scores.
Their many offerings are grouped into four quality ‘tiers’. Our tasting will cover the top three tiers. With one exception all the wines are from the 2007 vintage.

At the pinnacle is Ares. This is a special, limited, selection of what they consider to be the finest of all their barrels Barossa & McLaren vale Shiraz. Originally 100% Barossa, since 2005 the selection includes McLaren vale fruit. We are pouring 1999 (100% Barossa) and 2007 (67% Barossa) which will give some insight into the evolution of this iconic wine.

The second tier is the ‘Block’ series – single vineyards. We have Barney’s Block (McLaren), and Zippy’s Block (Barossa). Parker’s note on the latter can serve as an exemplar for the wines as a whole:

“a brooding, burly wine; splendid nose of plum, tar, licorice, smoke, game, blueberry; palate surprisingly restrained, bordering on elegant; savory, ripe, medium-long; approachable in 1-2 years (from 2009) and will drink well for a decade thereafter; 93 pts“

The third tier is the ‘Garden’ series, one from each of the six top Shiraz regions. You will be tasting Lily’s Garden (McLaren Vale), Bella’s Garden (Barossa), Max’s Garden (Heathcote), and finally Harry & Edward’s Garden (Langhorne Creek), the latter no longer being made.
So for Barossa & MClaren Vale all of the top three tiers are represented.

This tasting gives a unique opportunity to taste the different tiers, as well as a comparison of the four regions represented in the Garden series. Sign up now and come on out for a tasting of some of the best of Australian Shiraz.

By the way, if these wines are ringing a bell with you, you aren’t mistaken. This was a very successful tasting a few years back and we are fortunate to be able to present it again, for the benefit of those not able to attend then, as well as those who are interested in the wines’ evolution.

Register now

Date: Wednesday, January, 22nd, 2020
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Limit: 66 people
Members: $85 including HST of $9.77*
Guests: $105 including HST of $12.08*

*Eventbrite processing fee of 2% + C$0.59 per ticket

North York Memorial Community Hall
5110 Yonge St. (under the library)
North York Centre Subway

GST/HST account: 844742619 RT0001
Business Name: Winetasters Society of Toronto

Refunds net of Eventbrite fee up to 7 days before the event. Inquiries, cancellations — (Cindy Taylor, 416.458.3147 evenings only). No reservations by phone, please.  First, come basis with a priority for members.