Two Hands Holy Grail Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Holy Grail vineyard is located in the Seppeltsfield sub-region of the Barossa Valley, an area known for producing some of the most expressive and long-lived Shiraz wines in Australia. Situated along the palm tree-lined Avenue of Hopes & Dreams, this estate vineyard benefits from an elevation of 250 meters, providing a cooler microclimate that enhances natural acidity and aromatic complexity in the fruit.

The soil is predominantly rich red/brown clay, offering excellent water retention and deep root penetration, which results in low-yielding vines with intensely concentrated fruit. Vine age ranges from 5 to 19 years, ensuring a blend of youthful vibrancy and deeper complexity. The growing season saw an average rainfall of 450-500mm, helping to balance the vines and preserve freshness and intensity in the grapes.

Winemaking

Each small parcel of fruit from the Holy Grail vineyard was de-stemmed and fermented in 5-ton stainless steel fermenters. The wine was gently pumped over two to three times daily, ensuring optimal color, tannin extraction, and fruit purity. After an average of 10 days on skins, the must was pressed, and the free-run and pressings were combined before being transferred to barrel for malolactic fermentation.

The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, ranging from one to four years old, to allow for complex integration of flavors while maintaining the purity of fruit. The wine was bottled in November of the following vintage, with minimal fining and no filtration, ensuring an unadulterated expression of its single vineyard origins.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Inky black with deep purple hues, showcasing its extraordinary concentration.
• Aroma: A beautifully lifted bouquet of beef stock, tar, menthol, nutmeg, glazed plums, and scorched earth, backed by subtle hints of vanilla and toasted oak.
• Palate: The wine delivers an immediate textural impact, exploding on the palate like an airplane taking off. The fruit is poised and persistent, showing incredible purity and drive while remaining light on its feet. The tannins are structured yet fruit-driven, offering a long, drying finish with a saline twist. Built for long-term aging, this is a wine with depth, power, and remarkable balance.

Did you know?

The Holy Grail vineyard was named after Monty Python’s famous film, reflecting Two Hands’ pursuit of the perfect vineyard site. This single-vineyard wine is part of the Single Vineyard Series, which aims to showcase the ultimate expression of site-specific terroir. Only a select few vineyards make the cut, reinforcing the philosophy that some sites have an undeniable "X-factor" that makes them extraordinary.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Châteaubriand with Truffle Sauce – The richness of the beef fillet is complemented by the wine’s depth, while the truffle-enhanced sauce mirrors its earthy complexity.
• Braised Lamb Shoulder with Rosemary and Garlic – The structured tannins and dark fruit profile cut through the lamb’s succulence, while the herbaceous notes enhance the wine’s spice and mineral undertones.
• Duck Magret with Blackberry Jus – The fruit-driven intensity of the Shiraz pairs seamlessly with the sweet and savory elements of the dish, creating a dynamic interplay of flavors.
• Aged Parmigiano Reggiano – The wine’s firm tannins and dark fruit richness contrast beautifully with the cheese’s nutty, umami-laden profile, making for an 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.