Two Hands Secret Block Shiraz 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Moppa Hills sub-region, located in the Barossa Western Ranges, is known for producing Shiraz wines with exceptional concentration, structure, and aromatic intensity. Sitting at 335 meters above sea level, this vineyard benefits from cooler nights that help preserve the acidity and freshness of the fruit. The soils, composed of deep grey-red loam with coarse quartz and ironstone gravel over clay, contribute to the wine’s distinctive mineral edge and finely grained tannins.

This 17-year-old vineyard is carefully maintained to ensure low yields and high-quality fruit. Despite challenges across vintages, the site has consistently delivered Shiraz of remarkable depth, silkiness, and elegance. With an average annual rainfall of 450mm, the vines thrive in a naturally balanced environment, producing grapes that exhibit both intensity and refinement. The hidden nature of this vineyard, accessible only through winding trails and locked gates, adds to the allure of this exclusive, limited-production wine.

Winemaking

A single parcel from this vineyard was carefully crushed and destemmed into a 5-tonne open-top fermenter, where it remained on skins for 10 days to extract depth and structure. Fermentation was meticulously controlled to ensure a gentle yet effective integration of tannins and flavor.

After pressing, the free-run juice and pressings were combined in tank and allowed to settle for 24 hours before being racked off gross lees into barrels. Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel, refining the wine’s texture and balance. Bottled with minimal fining and no filtration, the wine retains its purity, showcasing the seamless harmony of fruit, tannins, and acidity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, dark purple with a vibrant core, hinting at its richness and longevity.
• Aroma: Intense and alluring, with wafts of blackcurrant, stewed plums, cinnamon, eucalypt, mulberry, and warm bark. The complexity deepens as the wine opens, revealing layers of spice and mineral nuances.
• Palate: A masterclass in balance and elegance, this wine offers a silky, flowing texture with waves of black fruit, fine tannins, and vibrant acidity. The interplay of fruit, tannin, and acid creates a seamless, drifting sensation, leading to a persistent, refined finish.

Did You Know?

Moppa Hills is a hidden gem within the Barossa Ranges, home to some of the region’s highest vineyards. The altitude and unique ironstone-rich soils contribute to wines with greater structure, freshness, and aromatic intensity than those from lower-elevation sites.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Slow-braised lamb shank with rosemary and juniper – The wine’s deep fruit and spice elements enhance the dish’s savory, herbaceous profile.
• Grilled venison with blackberry reduction – The fine tannins and vibrant acidity balance the richness of the meat and the dark berry sauce.
• Charred eggplant with tahini and pomegranate – The wine’s silkiness and earthy undertones pair beautifully with the smoky, creamy depth of the dish.
• Aged Gouda or Parmigiano-Reggiano – The structured tannins and minerality complement the nutty, crystalline textures of these 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.