Two Hands 'Waterfall Block' Shiraz 19

The second in the series moves to Burnside in Adelaide itself. 27 year-old vines, also with east-west row orientation. The aspect of the vineyard is western. The soils here are shallow red clays over deep deposits of slate, shale and limestone. This is a steep site with a unique microclimate, as neighbouring ranges and hills protect it from the sun early in the morning and later in the day. This means minimal stress.

Very dark reds, near opaque. The aromatics here move to more blueberry notes with chocolate, florals and old leather. This is plush and ripe. Similar length to Dave’s Block but more intensity. It is fresh, layered and complex with good acidity. Delicious now, but has a decade or more ahead of it. Seamless. There is depth here and I like this a lot.

Smooth operator. Choc-berry, slippery texture, pure-feeling with inky feel, a web of feathery tannin holding things in. It’s heady with booze-soaked forest berry characters, lots of sweet and peppery/paprika spice, a snifter of clove-woody stuff. Best of all is the balance, even, flowing, well judged at just over medium weight and holding good shape. Evocative, delicious, character-filled red."