Two Hands Waterfall Block Single Vineyard Shiraz 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Waterfall Block vineyard is an astonishing site nestled in Burnside, near Adelaide, positioned within the Mount Lofty Ranges. The vineyard’s steep, short rows are protected from harsh sunlight, benefiting from the shade of the towering hills to the north. This unique microclimate allows the vines to ripen slowly, reducing stress and ensuring optimal balance between fruit intensity, acidity, and tannin structure.

Planted 27 years ago, the vineyard is characterized by shallow red clay soils over deep deposits of slate, shale, and limestone. These geological influences contribute to the wine’s distinct minerality and textural finesse. With an average annual rainfall of 550mm, the vines are naturally moderated, fostering an elegant and well-structured Shiraz that embodies the full potential of this unique site.

Winemaking

The small parcel from this unique single vineyard was carefully crushed and destemmed into stainless steel fermenters. The must remained on skins for 10 days, allowing for gentle extraction of color, tannins, and flavor. Following primary fermentation, the free-run juice and pressings were combined to enhance depth and complexity.

The wine was then transferred to barrels for malolactic fermentation, where it developed additional roundness and integration. Bottled with minimal intervention, this Shiraz maintains its purity, vibrancy, and a precise balance between power and elegance. With 15 years of aging potential, it will continue to evolve beautifully, unveiling even greater depth and finesse over time.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep and intensely dark, reflecting its concentration and aging potential.
• Aroma: A lifted, explosive bouquet of smoke, dark chocolate, ginger, Asian spices, warm oil, western red cedar, and rose water. Layers of complexity unfold as the wine breathes.
• Palate: Dense and caressing, offering an impenetrable layer of dark fruit that flows effortlessly along a svelte, velvety texture. Vibrant acidity lifts the palate, adding remarkable length and freshness. The tannins start off sweet, then transition into a mineral-driven, savory finish with hints of licorice and spice.

Did You Know?

Waterfall Block is one of the newest single-vineyard sites in the Two Hands portfolio, yet it offers an ancient terroir shaped by the slate, shale, and limestone deposits of the Mount Lofty Ranges. This unique setting produces a Shiraz unlike any other, marked by its refined structure and elegant flow.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Wagyu ribeye with black garlic sauce – The rich fruit and velvety tannins complement the marbling and umami depth of the steak.
• Spiced lamb shoulder with sumac and pomegranate – The wine’s acidity and spice elements harmonize with the dish’s bright, aromatic profile.
• Charcoal-roasted eggplant with tahini and smoked paprika – The deep, smoky flavors mirror the wine’s complexity and earthiness.
• Aged Comté or Pecorino Toscano – The wine’s minerality and structured tannins balance beautifully with the nutty, firm texture 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.