Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most prestigious wine regions, particularly renowned for Shiraz. Benefiting from a continental climate, the region experiences hot summers and cold winters, which contribute to intense fruit ripeness while preserving acidity. The valley’s diverse terrain, consisting of rolling hills and valleys, creates microclimates that add layers of complexity to the wine.

The soil profile is dominated by deep grey-red loam mixed with quartz and ironstone, which aids in water retention and mineral complexity. The 2021 vintage was marked by ideal growing conditions, with 450-500mm of rainfall, returning to average levels after several dry years. The cool, dry ripening season allowed for slow fruit development, resulting in wines with exceptional color, balanced acidity, and refined tannins.

Winemaking

Each vineyard parcel was fermented in open-top vessels of varying sizes, ranging from 3 to 10 tonnes, allowing for precise control over extraction. The must underwent regular pump-overs three times daily at the peak of fermentation to ensure optimal color and tannin integration.

After pressing, the free-run juice and pressings were combined, then transferred to French oak barrels for 12 months of aging. The oak regimen consisted of 13% new French oak, with the remainder aged in one to six-year-old puncheons and hogsheads, allowing for integrated spice and enhanced mouthfeel without overpowering the fruit purity. Each batch was vinified separately and blended just before bottling, ensuring a wine that captures both Barossa’s signature richness and the finesse of the vintage.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep brooding purple to black, with an intense and youthful vibrancy.
• Aroma: Highly lifted aromatics, revealing bay leaf, dark berries, liquorice, cassis, and violet. Subtle layers of plum and dried herbs emerge with aeration, showcasing the classic Barossa Valley Shiraz profile.
• Palate: Rich, powerful, and seamless, delivering waves of spicy dark fruit. Blackberry, black cherry, and dark chocolate integrate with finely grained tannins, leading to a structured yet elegant finish. The nervy persistence of tannins suggests strong aging potential, while the wine’s evenness and balance make it highly enjoyable in its youth.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Côte de Bœuf with Herb Butter – The bold fruit and structured tannins complement the richness of a well-seared ribeye, while the herb-infused butter enhances the wine’s savory spice elements.
• Cassoulet – The hearty mix of slow-cooked duck, sausage, and beans pairs beautifully with the wine’s depth and velvety tannins, elevating the dish’s rustic complexity.
• Venison Ragù with Pappardelle – The gamey richness of venison is perfectly balanced by the wine’s dark fruit core and earthy spice, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying pairing.
• Aged Comté or Mimolette – The nutty, caramelized flavors of these cheeses enhance the wine’s plush fruit and structured finish, offering a refined and indulgent tasting experience.

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.