WTN: A couple of big boys from OZ

2005 Two Hands, Brave Faces, Barossa Valley, Australia, $39, 1,029 cases. Still sporting a youthful purple/red color, this Shiraz and Grenache blend is concentrated, ripe and juicy, with silky tannins and lovely balance. Black cherries, berries and smoky cedar prevail; 90/90.

2005 Two Hands, Shiraz, Lily’s Garden, McLaren Vale, Australia, $65, 2,700 cases. Generous plum, coffee, dark chocolate and American oak aromas repeat on the palate. Full without being heavy, the silky tannins allow for early approachability; 91/90.

2005 Two Hands...Still sporting a youthful purple/red color...

Still? Was it supposed to fall apart that quickly!?

2005 Two Hands...Still sporting a youthful purple/red color...

Still? Was it supposed to fall apart that quickly!?

Hey, they do harvest 6 months earlier in the So. Hemishere afterall.

Actually, Grenache tends to lose its color rather rapidly in comparison to Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bucko,

Did you get to visit Two Hands on your recent OZ trip? My wife and I made it there last summer. Nice "Cellar Door" experience. We enjoyed the Ares, Bella's and Sophie's Garden. Top drops as they say. Big surprise for me was the great Grenache & Tempranillo on our visit south in the McLaren Vale and the Pinot Noir in the Mornington Penisula.

I did indeed visit Two Hands. Michael Twelftree drove me around to several vineyards they source from. A big load of gorgeous-looking Grenache pulled up to the winery while we were chewing the fat. We also tasted Grenache and Syrah from several barrels -- good juice.

Speaking of Pinot, we tried a few good ones while in the Yarra Valley. Yering Station is doing a good job with their line of wines.