Two Hands Shiraz – Already an Aussie Legend

 

 

 

 

 

(Wednesday, June 14, 2017) — We are delighted to offer this tasting of premium Shiraz from the young, yet already legendary, Two Hands winery in South Australia. The winery was originally rooted in Barossa and McLaren vale but now covers a much wider span. Originally founded just before the turn of the 21st century by Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz, success came quickly at home and abroad. Subsequently, Colorado native Tim Hower came on board. The winery has also spread its wings beyond Barossa & McLaren Vale across the wine regions of southern Australia. Michael and Richard’s backgrounds in sales and marketing meshed with Tim’s love of Barossa and ownership of several premium vineyards has proven to be a strong combination.

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Numerous accolades continued, including Robert Parker famously naming Two Hands “the finest négociant south of the equator’’, and demand around the world surged in the following years as the wines expanded into export markets throughout Europe, Asia, North America and, of course, also 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, although they have branched into Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals. Likewise they have expanded beyond their origins in Barossa & McLaren Vale.

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 and Spectator scores.

Their many offerings are grouped into four quality ‘tiers’: Flagship, Block, Garden, and Picture Series. Our tasting covers the top three tiers. With one exception, all the wines you will taste 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 of Barossa, and latterly, McLaren vale Shiraz. The wine is treated to 23 months oak aging (1/4 new French oak). Originally 100% Barossa, since 2005 the selection includes McLaren vale fruit. We are pouring the 1999 (100% Barossa) and 2007 (67% Barossa) which will give some insight to the evolution and ageability of this iconic wine.

The second tier is the ‘Block’ series, i.e. single vineyard. We are pouring Barney’s Block (McLaren), and Zippy’s Block (Barossa). Parker’s note on the latter serves as an indicator 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. We will be tasting four of these, namely, 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 in our tasting. This tasting gives a unique opportunity to taste the difference (and the dollars!), 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.

Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Time:  6:45 p.m.
Limit:  66 people
Members: $85*
Guests: $95*

*Price including HST

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

GST/HST account: 844742619RT0001

Business Name: Winetasters Society of Toronto

Cancellations accepted up to Monday, June 12, 2017 (Jennifer Curran 905-829-4675 evenings). No reservations by phone, please. No mail confirmations will be issued — you will be contacted only if we are sold out.  First come basis. Non-members may attend at guest rates, but preference will be given to members. Registration will be closed at the end of day, June 13.

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