Two Hands Dave's Block Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Blewitt Springs sub-region of McLaren Vale is revered for producing some of Australia’s most refined and expressive Shiraz wines. Located at an altitude of 152 meters, Dave’s Block benefits from a cooler microclimate than the lower areas of McLaren Vale, allowing for a slower ripening period. This natural moderation results in wines with lifted aromatics, vibrant acidity, and well-defined structure. The deep bleached white sand over mottled orange clay is a defining feature of this site, imparting minerality and finely textured tannins to the wine.

Planted over 51 years ago, the old vines of Dave’s Block produce low yields of intensely flavored fruit. The average annual rainfall of 675mm helps maintain a balanced vine canopy, reducing the need for irrigation and allowing for a natural concentration of flavors. The 2020 vintage posed significant heat challenges, yet these seasoned vines withstood the conditions with ease, delivering grapes of exceptional quality and depth. The resulting wine is a true reflection of site and season, offering remarkable purity, structure, and aging potential.

Winemaking

This 100% Shiraz was carefully harvested at peak ripeness before undergoing crushing and de-stemming. The fruit was then transferred into stainless steel open-top fermenters, where it spent 10 days on skins to extract color, tannins, and aromatic complexity. Cap management techniques were meticulously controlled to ensure a balance between concentration and elegance, preserving the vineyard’s hallmark freshness and fine structure.

Following fermentation, the wine was drained and racked into French oak puncheons (30% new) for 18 months of maturation. The aging process allowed the wine’s dark fruit core to integrate seamlessly with the oak, developing layers of spice, depth, and finesse. To maintain its purity, the wine was bottled with minimal fining and no filtration, ensuring a wine of exceptional clarity and textural refinement. The result is a Shiraz of great depth, elegance, and longevity, embodying the best qualities of Blewitt Springs terroir.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep purple with an inky core and vibrant ruby edges.
• Aroma: Notes of mint, dried herbs, Asian spice, soy, potpourri, and fresh-baked macarons, with undertones of beef stock and ground ginger.
• Palate: A creamy entry leads to a structured core of plum, violets, and blueberries, framed by ferrous minerality and finely textured tannins. The finish is long and elegant.

Did You Know?

Blewitt Springs is regarded as one of the most prestigious sub-regions of McLaren Vale, known for producing Shiraz wines with higher aromatic lift, finer tannins, and superior aging potential than those from the valley floor. The region's unique sandy soils contribute to a distinctive silkiness and minerality, setting it apart from the richer, more robust expressions of McLaren Vale Shiraz.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Chargrilled Wagyu steak – The fine tannins and rich fruit profile perfectly complement the marbled texture and umami depth of Wagyu beef.
• Lamb tagine with prunes and almonds – The wine’s spice-driven aromatics and dark fruit intensity enhance the dish’s complexity.
• Roasted duck with a plum glaze – The bright acidity and structured tannins balance the richness of the duck and the sweetness of the glaze.
• Aged cheddar or Comté – The wine’s savory, mineral-driven tannins harmonize beautifully with the nutty, crystalline character of aged cheeses.

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.