2005 Two Hands Zippy's Block Single Vineyard Barossa Valley Shiraz
Perhaps no further ink needs to be spilt on Two Hands Zippy's Block Single Vineyard from Barossa Valley Shiraz.
Compared to the 2007 we tasted months ago, this 2005 Two Hands Zippy's Block Single Vineyard Barossa Valley Shiraz is one really big and structured wine! It is like a muscular man in Versace. Some full 3-hour decanting may be required here. First nose: big rich black fruit (cassis, blackberry) baked red fruit (cherry, raspberry) & smokey+spiced rich (nutmeg and cinnamon) vanilla (almost coconut) oak. Second nose: layer upon layer of blueberries, blackberries, pronounced aromas of violets, toast, pencil lead, leather, cassis and spice. Third Nose: kirsch, raisin & leather. It is beauty and the beast. Powerful, structured and smooth on palate.
The Zippy's Block Single Vineyard is one of the 6 to 7 single vineyards of Two hands. In terms of quality, wines from these wines play second fiddle only to the Flagship wines(and Ares Shiraz is the top-top Shiraz selling AU$160@) and is ranked much higher than the super-premium range of Garden Series which is from the best regional fruit. Of course, Zippy's Block is from an exceptional single vineyard site in Marananga. This block is special because it always has an extremely low yield and takes longer to reach full maturity. This wine has a complex bouquet followed by an opulent, elegant, viscous and supple palate. Wine style is true Barossa valley (fruit, power and concentration) clothed in an elegant and softer format. Skin contact duration is 19-day, using old French oak for 18 month. Of cork closure, this wine is 14.7% alc.
The 2005 is awarded a stunning WA99.
