Two Hands Barney's Block Shiraz 2009 and 2010
TO contrast, 2007 is vast, inky, and fruit forward(class blackberries, dark cherry). Despite individual medicinal tones, the fruit is still vibrant. On the palate, big dark fruit, dark chocolate, exotic spices and white pepper on the finish. The 2008 at 15.5% alcohol, it is a fantastic balance, with fine tannins, lifted acidity. Almost 16% alcohol. Feel the heat. But at the same time amazing intense blueberry fruit that coats the palate and teeth for an eternity. The challenge here is that the other expected components at 8 yrs of age just are hidden in all its fruit. Warm velvety tannins accompany. Big monster wine. The 2009 Two Hands Barney's Block Shiraz, on the other hand, is slightly riper with clear structures in a well-balanced body, where the high alcohol is by now very well integrated with the other elements. he 2009 TwThe 2010 Two Hands Barney's Block Shiraz, however, progresses exceptionally well in glass(from primary, secondary to tertiary) and expresses complexities from layers of tertiary tones.o contrast, to Hands Barney's Block Shiraz is even riper with clear structures in a well-balanced body, where the high alcohol is by now very well integrated with the other elements .The 2010 Two Hands Barney's Block Shiraz, however, progresses exceptionally well in glass(from primary, secondary to tertiary) and expresses complexities from layers of tertiary tones.
Both 2009 and 2010 are deep black-purple in colour. Style is consistent in giving interesting bouquet that displays a gentle perfume of aniseed, roasted nuts, lavender, mineral, earth, tar and espresso. Both are big, even and persistent coating entry of pure fruit weight. Rounded purple to black fruits that continue on an extended and long finish, both wines express a wealth of polished tannins that make the finish very soft, rounded and balanced. Both wines can age in our view beyond 2020; both are with ABV 15.5% and very full bodied; both are delicious.
Following the dictum of ‘terroir, terroir, terroir’, these 2 wines, in the eyes of their makers, express terroir at ‘township’ or ‘road’ basis and reflect beyond varietal expression. Regardless of the power of the Two Hands Barney’s Block, we feel that they always express a high level of elegance. Very much this second tier after the top –top Ares, Two Hands pinnacle expression of Shiraz. The quality is much beyond the Bella’s Garden Shiraz (one of the wine of Two Hand’s Garden Series) we tasted.
Sourced from a premium, single vineyard of Two Hands along the world famous McMurtrie Road in McLaren Vale( you will see Primo Estate, Hugh Hamilton Wines, Wirra Wirra Vineyards, Brick Klin), the fruit represents some of the classic expression of McLaren Vale Shiraz at its best. Selected small parcels from this vineyard block were crushed and fermented in open top fermenters, with regular pump overs (three daily over peak fermentation, so this is quite gentle) to maximize extraction. Average time on skins was 14 days, after which the skins were pressed (that’s why the colours). All free run and pressings were combined (so the wine has got to be age-worthy enough) and after 24 hours the wine was then racked to barrel, where malolactic fermentation occurred. After 24 months ageing in American and French oak, the wine was bottled with minimum fining and no filtration.
Scores are impressive:
For 2009 Two Hands Barney's Block Shiraz,
JAMES HALLIDAY | 94
Deep colour, and loaded with fragrant black fruits, floral notes, licorice and a whole lot of mocha; the palate is full-bodied and fresh, with focus and energy being maintained from start to finish, with the little prickle of heat in fact working with the fruit on offer.
WINE SPECTATOR | 94
Broad, ripe and plush, with a juicy balance to the blueberry, dark plum and currant flavors, finishing with freshness and hints of chai tea spices. This has tremendous stature with poise.
WINE ADVOCATE | 95
Deep purple-black in color, the 2009 “Barney’s Block” Shiraz is profoundly scented of warm blackberries and blueberry preserve over nuances of yeast extract, black olives, cloves, bacon fat and cedar. Very full bodied and powerful in the mouth, the palate is packed with primary blackberry and meaty / earthy flavors with ample support from a medium to firm level of grainy tannins and enlivening acid, finishing long with some baking spices coming through. Consider drinking this one 2013 to 2024+.
For 2010 Two Hands Barney's Block Shiraz
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 94+
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2010 Barney's Block Shiraz has a complex earthy/meaty, faintly floral nose with a good core of warm black berries, chocolate and anise. Big, full bodied and opulent in the mouth, it has a medium to firm level of rounded tannins and harmonious acidity with the spice layers and chocolate really coming through in the long and layered finish. Approachable now, it should drink best 2014 to 2024+. - Feb 2013
Wine Spectator – 95
Focused, juicy, fresh and inviting, brimming with blueberry, plum and clove flavors that show a hint of sizzling bacon and come together harmoniously and expressively. A big wine, but not overwhelming, persisting impressively on the finish. Drink now through 2025. 25 cases imported. -HS, Nov 15 2012
