Two Hands Shiraz Mclaren Vale Angels Share 2009

Not a huge mouthful, but it unfolds its flavors and builds up intensity as the blackberry, plum, cedar and floral pepper flavors persist onto the long, generous finish. Best from 2007 through 2015.

The 2004 Shiraz Angel's Share is a hedonistic effort. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by a fruit-filled wine with a gorgeously complex nose of lead pencil shavings, charcoal, blackberries, and cassis. Medium to full-bodied, with admirable purity, balance, and the tell-tale opulence and voluptuous texture this estate's wines all seem to possess, it should be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years.

From McLaren Vale, the 2005 Shiraz Angel's Share (the only Two Hands cuvee aged completely in American wood) is a wine of considerable intensity. Its inky/purple color is accompanied by scents of graphite, smoky oak, black currants, chocolate, and cedar. This fabulously rich, full-bodied, voluptuously-styled red should drink well for a decade.

There are 2,500 cases of the gorgeous 2003 Shiraz Angel's Share. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by aromas of blackberries, black currants, and cherries, opulent, succulent, medium to-full-bodied flavors, sweet, well-integrated tannin, and loads of freshness as well as intensity. Some oak in noticeable, but it is kept well in the background. Finished with a screw cap, it is a gorgeously voluptuous Shiraz to drink over the next 3-4 years.

Lithe and focused, with a surprising but appealing root beer note weaving through the blackberry and licorice flavors, which linger gently against firm tannins and tangy acidity on the finish. Has impeccable balance. Drink now through 2011.

(Made from de-classified wine from Lily's Garden; aged in American oak, 25% new) Ruby-red. Very pungent, floral aromas of tobacco-laced dark berry and cherry, plus a hint of espresso. Fat, plush and seamless, the inky berry flavors backed up by broad tannins. Finishes sweet and fat, with a sappy, clingy quality. Proprietor Michael Twelftree notes that this drinks better on its own than with food.

The 2006 Shiraz "Angel's Share has an expressive perfume of cedar, wood smoke, leather, pencil lead, pepper, and blueberry muffin. Velvety-textured and ripe, it has outstanding depth and length and a harmonious personality. Drink it over the next 6-8 years. Two Hands is a negociant operation run impeccably by Michael Twelftree. It reflects the best that can be sourced from all over South Australia.