Two Hands Bella's Garden 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Barossa Valley, located in South Australia, is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, particularly for its distinctive and age-worthy Shiraz. Known for its warm Mediterranean climate and diverse terroirs, Barossa produces wines of intensity, depth, and remarkable structure. Bella’s Garden is a blend sourced from some of the valley’s most exceptional vineyard sites, each selected to contribute its unique expression to the final wine.

The vines are rooted in rich red/brown clay soils, which are particularly dominant in Barossa’s western ranges. These soils are known for their excellent water retention, which helps balance the vines' growth and results in low-yielding, concentrated fruit. Vine age ranges from 17 to 41 years, with elevations between 200 and 320 meters, ensuring a slow ripening process that preserves acidity and enhances complexity. The sub-regions of Ebenezer, Gomersal, Greenock, Kalimna, Marananga, Moppa Hills, Seppeltsfield, Stockwell, and Stonewell all play a role in shaping this wine’s layered depth.

Winemaking

Each vineyard parcel for Bella’s Garden is vinified separately, allowing for site-specific character to be preserved before blending. Fermentation takes place in open-top fermenters, encouraging gentle extraction of tannins and aromatics while maintaining fruit purity and freshness. The meticulous selection process ensures that only the most expressive and structurally balanced wines make it into the final blend.

Aging occurs in a mix of new and seasoned French oak barrels, adding subtle spice and textural elegance while allowing the primary fruit to remain at the forefront. The influence of oak is carefully managed to enhance rather than dominate the wine’s innate complexity and regional identity. This vintage stands as a testament to balance and longevity, making it a Shiraz that can be enjoyed in its youth or cellared for over a decade to reveal further nuance and refinement.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep purple to black, with stunning vibrancy and intensity.
• Aroma: A captivating bouquet of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and blueberries, interwoven with notes of clove, violet, vanilla, liquorice, and a touch of cracked pepper. Floral elements add an elegant lift, while subtle oak spice enhances the aromatic complexity.
• Palate: The entry is rich and bold, with plush layers of dark fruit unfolding into a textured mid-palate where plum, dark chocolate, and spice integrate seamlessly. The tannins are fine yet structured, providing a long, velvety finish that lingers with extraordinary persistence and precision.

Did you know?

The Garden Series from Two Hands was conceived to showcase the diverse expressions of Shiraz from different premium regions across Australia. Each wine in the series represents a distinct regional profile, with Bella’s Garden paying homage to the Barossa Valley. The label’s red color is inspired by the region’s iron-rich clay soils, which are key to the wine’s deep structure and opulence.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Châteaubriand with Béarnaise Sauce – The richness of the beef fillet is complemented by the wine’s deep blackberry and plum notes, while the herbal tarragon-infused sauce enhances its spice and savory complexity.
• Cassoulet – A classic French dish featuring slow-cooked duck confit, sausage, and white beans, which pairs beautifully with the wine’s velvety tannins and structured fruit, allowing the dark fruit and spice to shine.
• Venison Wellington – The earthy, gamey richness of venison wrapped in golden pastry is elevated by the wine’s vibrant fruit and floral notes, creating a perfect balance of power and elegance.
• Aged Comté or Ossau-Iraty Cheese – The nutty, complex flavors of these French cheeses complement the wine’s ripe fruit and subtle oak character, making for a refined and indulgent pairing.

History of Two Hands Wines

The story of Two Hands began in 1999, when Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz set out with a clear vision: to produce the best possible Shiraz from different regions of Australia. Their approach differed from the traditional model, as they sought to highlight regional differences rather than blending fruit from multiple areas.

The first vintage in 2000 consisted of just 17 tons of fruit, sourced from McLaren Vale and Padthaway, with an initial investment of $30,000. Early success quickly propelled the winery forward, leading to the launch of the full Garden Series by 2003.

In 2004, Two Hands built its own winery in Marananga, Barossa Valley, allowing them to maintain complete control over the winemaking process while continuing to produce wines in small, carefully handled batches.

Over the years, Two Hands has received global acclaim, earning a place in Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 for ten consecutive years—a rare achievement for an Australian winery. Today, they remain committed to crafting expressive, terroir-driven Shiraz that showcases the unique characteristics of Australia’s greatest wine regions.

Region and Vineyards

Two Hands Wines follows a regional-first philosophy, sourcing grapes from six of Australia’s premier Shiraz-growing regions:

• Barossa Valley – Known for rich, opulent Shiraz with dark fruit intensity.
• McLaren Vale – Produces bold yet elegant Shiraz with fine tannins and coastal influence.
• Clare Valley – Offers a more restrained, high-altitude style with natural acidity.
• Langhorne Creek – Known for supple, approachable Shiraz with soft tannins.
• Padthaway – Produces vibrant, fruit-driven Shiraz with excellent balance.
• Heathcote – A cool-climate region producing structured Shiraz with great depth.

The winery does not own vineyards, instead working closely with dedicated growers to ensure that each vineyard’s unique terroir is preserved in the final wine. All grapes are handled identically in the winery, allowing the regional differences to shine through in the finished wines.

Wine Range of Two Hands Wines

Two Hands produces a diverse portfolio of wines, structured into distinct ranges:

• Garden Series – The flagship range, featuring single-region Shiraz from Australia’s top terroirs, each named after a family member (e.g., Bella’s Garden – Barossa Valley, Lily’s Garden – McLaren Vale).
• Single Vineyard Series – Exclusive wines that showcase the unique identity of individual vineyard sites, such as Yacca Block (Eden Valley) and Waterfall Block (Adelaide Hills).
• Picture Series – A collection of expressive, regionally blended wines, known for vibrant fruit and playful labels, including Gnarly Dudes (Barossa Shiraz) and Angel’s Share (McLaren Vale Shiraz).
• Flagship Series – The pinnacle of Two Hands winemaking, featuring limited-production wines made from the best barrels of the vintage, such as Ares Shiraz and My Hands Shiraz.

Did You Know?

Two Hands Wines was named "Winery of the Year" by Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate in 2012, solidifying its place among Australia’s most prestigious producers. The winery’s unique barrel classification system ensures that only the top 3% of barrels are selected for the highest-tier wines.