Two Hands Brave Faces GSM 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Barossa Valley is world-renowned for its old-vine Grenache, structured Shiraz, and earthy Mourvèdre, making it the perfect region for producing Rhône-style blends. The 2021 vintage benefited from near-ideal conditions, with winter and spring rainfall returning to normal levels after several dry years. The 450-500mm of rainfall helped balance vine health, and the absence of extreme weather during flowering ensured consistent fruit set and quality.

The ripening season was marked by cool, cloudy, and dry conditions, which resulted in slower fruit development. This extended ripening period contributed to wines with balanced acidity, excellent color, and concentrated flavors. The terroir’s mix of ancient sandy loams, red clay, and limestone subsoils plays a significant role in shaping the complexity and finesse of the fruit, allowing Grenache to shine with lifted aromatics, Mourvèdre to add earthy depth, and Shiraz to provide structure and spice.

Winemaking

The fruit parcels were harvested separately and de-stemmed before fermentation in open-top fermenters. Different vinification techniques were applied to each variety to enhance their unique characteristics. Shiraz was pumped over three times daily, ensuring deep color extraction and tannin integration, while Grenache and Mourvèdre underwent a cold soak before gentle plunging, preserving their delicate aromatics and freshness.

The Grenache parcels included 20% whole bunch fermentation, contributing silky tannins and lifted herbal complexity. The wine remained on skins for an average of 15 days, allowing for optimal flavor development. After pressing, all pressings were reintegrated into the free-run wine, enhancing structure and texture. Maturation occurred over 12 months in a combination of concrete vats, older puncheons, and hogsheads, adding complexity while keeping the fruit purity at the forefront.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Medium crimson red with a vivid, bright red core.
• Aroma: Smoked tea, dark cherry, mulberry, and juniper, with hints of anise, cassia bark, black pepper, and fresh-hung meat.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, creating an elegant and buoyant mouthfeel. Bright fruit notes lead, layered with spice and smoked tea for depth and complexity. Black pepper, fresh meat, and oolong tea dominate, with background notes of cassia bark and star anise. Whole bunch fermentation provides chalky tannins, lending a savory, structured finish, while extended lees contact contributes a creamy texture and long length.

Did you know?

Brave Faces is part of the Two Hands Picture Series, which celebrates popular culture and storytelling through unique labels and back-label descriptors. The name pays tribute to the grape growers of Barossa Valley, who fought against government vine-pull schemes in the 1980s, ensuring the survival of historic Grenache vineyards that now define the region’s identity. The label design and the song lyric reference from Midnight Oil’s “Brave Faces” (1981) reinforce the message of resilience and commitment.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Coq au Vin – The wine’s bright acidity and red fruit flavors complement the slow-braised chicken, while its savory spice enhances the dish’s deep, umami richness.
• Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Almonds – The bold fruit and spice of the GSM blend balance the aromatic depth of Moroccan spices and the sweetness of dried fruit.
• Ratatouille – The fresh acidity and herbal undertones of the wine align beautifully with the slow-cooked Mediterranean vegetables, enhancing the dish’s natural sweetness and complexity.
• Aged Manchego or Tomme de Savoie – The wine’s soft tannins and smoky spice pair well with nutty, semi-hard cheeses, allowing the fruity and savory elements to shine.

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.