2004 Two Hands Max's Garden Shiraz

Two Hands Wines was founded in the Barossa Valley in 1999 by Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz. Their first Shiraz vintage was in 2000 and in 2004 the owners completed a state-of-the-art winery. They source grapes from several regions and today the estate makes numerous labels, though the prestige label is the Flagship Series group of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Mataro wines. Other labels include the more fanciful Garden Series and the Single Vineyard Series. Robert M. Parker Jr. has noted that “Two Hands is a negociant run impeccably by Michael Twelftree. It reflects the best that can be sourced from all over South Australia.”

Victoria is one of Australia’s smallest and coolest wine regions, yet one of the nation’s most dynamic and quality-oriented. Unlike many of Australia’s wine regions, which include many large, industrial producers, most Victoria producers are small, independently owned and crush fewer than 25 tons of grapes per year. With more than 600 wineries, Victoria has more producers than any other state, though it ranks third in production. Winemaking started in Victoria in the 1850s when Swiss immigrant Hubert de Castella recognized the area’s winemaking potential. There are many climates and topographies in Victoria, from dry, irrigated inland terroirs to cooler, higher regions. Top sub-appellations include Heathcote, Rutherglen and the Yarra Valley. Shiraz and Chardonnay are the principal grapes grown, though Viognier, Pinot Noir and Tannant are also grown. Of special note is the region’s history with sweet dessert wines made of Muscat. Some are called “Tokay” and are made from the Muscadelle grape. Red dessert, Madeira-style wines are also produced.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.