2024 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz from the Barossa Valley is a bold, irresistible and dark fruited expression of classic Barossa Shiraz, drawn from gnarled old bush vines scattered across Ebenezer, Greenock and Marananga. These ancient vines, growing in deep red clays and ironstone studded soils, give berries of enormous concentration, plush texture and that unmistakable Barossa earth and spice. Two Hands has long specialised in site specific Shiraz, and Gnarly Dudes is their tribute to the tough, twisted old vines that thrive under the valley’s baking summers, cool nights and fiercely dry conditions.

Winemaking focuses on richness with polish. Fruit is harvested at peak ripeness, fermented in open vessels for vibrant colour and supple tannins, and matured in French and American oak that adds cocoa, vanilla, cedar and warmth while letting the fruit roar. The result is unapologetically Barossa: plush, juicy, generous and layered with spice and dark chocolate.

The aromas are deep and hedonistic, bursting with blackberry, black plum and mulberry wrapped around licorice, dark chocolate, espresso, smoked herbs and cracked pepper. With time, more complexity unfurls: warm earth, dried violets, clove, cedar and a hint of blueberry compote.

The palate is rich and mouthfilling without tipping into heaviness. Lush black fruits sweep forward over velvety tannins, supported by a thread of freshness that keeps the wine lively. Flavours of blackberry conserve, plum skin, cocoa nib, vanilla bean and baking spice build through the mid palate before tapering into a long, warming, gently savoury finish. Smooth yet powerful, it drinks beautifully young but will deepen over six to eight years, developing more spice, leather and dark chocolate nuance.

This style thrives with hearty, flavourful dishes: slow cooked beef cheeks, chargrilled ribeye, lamb shanks, barbecued sausages, mushroom ragù, smoky eggplant dishes, hard cheeses or anything off a wood fired grill.