(Two Hands – the premium Picture Series)

            How quickly we forget. Forget what? That Australia makes some of the most downright delicious, eminently enjoyable, sumptuously sensual wine in the world. Yes, we know all about that range of critter wines that do their daily workaday job, and are what they are, and have made vast fortunes for their purveyors even at the expense of Australia’s long-term prestige. But Australian wine is so much more than that.

            A perfect example – Two Hands Winery. It was established in 1999 with the aim of making the best possible Shiraz-based wines from prized growing regions throughout Australia. Based in the Barossa Valley in South Australia, the winery set out from the beginning to be unique – check out some of the names and labels – and to “put some fun back into wine”.

            The folks at Two Hands made a name for themselves almost immediately. Robert Parker proclaimed Two Hands “…the finest negociant operation south of the equator…” And if that wasn’t praise enough, in November 2011 Two Hands was named in the Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 for the ninth consecutive year – an achievement that has never been equaled by any other winery.

                                    (Two Hands – the super premium Garden Series)

            Two Hands is dedicated to showcasing the diversity of Australian Shiraz. From Barossa Valley (robust with intense fruit and concentration, and firm, ripe tannins) to Clare Valley (generous but elegant) to McLaren Vale (generous dark fruits, sometimes chocolaty, with earth and spice notes) to Langhorne Creek (harmonious, medium to full bodied, with soft, silky tannins) to Padthaway (full-bodied, dense, fleshy, with peppery overtones) to Heathcote, Central Victoria (full-bodied and rich with cool, restrained elements) – every one is a winner.

            Treat yourself to a Two Hands wine today!

Bill Stobbs, ABC Wine Supervisor, Tampa/St Pete

(Follow me on Twitter at abcwinebills)