Two Hands Yacca Block Shiraz 2019

Region and Vineyards

Perched at 483 meters above sea level, the Yacca Block vineyard sits atop Menglers Hill in Eden Valley, just a short drive from the western Barossa Ranges. This altitude ensures a cooler growing environment, allowing for an extended ripening period that preserves elegance and natural acidity. The site is known for producing Shiraz with a softer, more refined tannin structure, highlighting the influence of sub-regionality in winemaking.

The vineyard’s shallow, skeletal grey sand loam with quartz gravel over weathered rock and yellow clay imparts distinct minerality and finesse to the wine. With an average annual rainfall of 580mm, the vines receive ample water, ensuring balanced fruit development. The result is a Shiraz of concentration and purity, defined by its lifted aromatics, structured palate, and graceful aging potential.

Winemaking

The handpicked Shiraz grapes were de-stemmed and crushed, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The must remained on skins for 10 days, with 2-3 pump-overs per day to manage tannin extraction and flavor concentration. This controlled approach ensures a balance of structure and silkiness, allowing the wine to develop depth without excessive extraction.

Once fermentation was complete, free-run juice and pressings were blended in tank, then transferred to oak for malolactic fermentation. The wine was bottled with minimal fining and no filtration, preserving its purity and textural finesse. With an aging potential of up to 15 years, this Shiraz will continue to evolve, unveiling even greater layers of complexity over time.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Exceptionally deep, concentrated black-on-black, reflecting its intensity and richness.
• Aroma: A lifted, perfumed nose of dark plum, cassis, salted fig, warm nougat, dried herbs, chocolate, and subtle smoked meats.
• Palate: Thick, concentrated, and coating, yet elegantly balanced. This Shiraz engages all flavor receptors, offering a rich fruit core complemented by an unmistakable mineral structure. The bright acidity brings a saline edge, refreshing the finish and leaving a lasting impression. The tannins are refined and layered, making this a classic expression of Eden Valley terroir.

Did You Know?

The Yacca Block vineyard also supplies fruit for Charlie’s Garden Shiraz and The Boy Riesling, demonstrating the versatility of its high-altitude terroir. The presence of quartz and ironstone in the soil enhances the wine’s characteristic minerality, making it a distinctive expression of Eden Valley Shiraz.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Slow-braised beef short ribs with rosemary and thyme – The wine’s bold fruit and refined tannins complement the dish’s deep, savory flavors.
• Venison loin with juniper and blackberries – The wine’s structure and mineral edge balance the rich, gamey meat.
• Charred eggplant with miso glaze and sesame – The smoky and umami flavors align with the wine’s earthy complexity.
• Aged Manchego or Mimolette – The firm, nutty texture of these cheeses pairs beautifully with the wine’s fine tannins and dark fruit notes.

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.