Two Hands : Holy Grail Shiraz 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Holy Grail Shiraz 2021 from Two Hands

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a deep, inky hue, reflecting its exceptional concentration and the grapes’ optimal ripeness.

Nose

Complex and captivating, the nose reveals a rich aromatic bouquet combining notes of black plum, blackberry, and violet. Hints of smoke, ground coffee, and licorice add further depth, while touches of toasted spice and incense complete this refined, sophisticated aromatic profile.

Palate

The attack is powerful and concentrated, unveiling a remarkable intensity of vibrant dark fruit. The wine then develops with elegance toward a softer, fresher texture. Both firm and silky, the tannins deliver excellent length on the palate. The finish lingers with poise and freshness, leaving a persistent impression of balance and complexity, with notes of granite, earth, and spice.

Food and wine pairings

This Holy Grail Shiraz 2021 pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, notably peppered beef or beef ribs. It also complements game dishes such as venison, as well as smoked meats or barbecue. For cheese lovers, opt for aged hard cheeses such as mature cheddar or Parmesan.

Serving and cellaring

The Holy Grail Shiraz 2021 benefits from decanting before serving to fully reveal its aromatic complexity. Ideally serve between 16 and 18°C. This wine is built for extended cellaring and calls for three to four years of patience before reaching its peak. It can be enjoyed through around 2039, during which time it will continue to develop in complexity and elegance.

An outstanding Shiraz from the Barossa Valley by Two Hands

The estate

Founded in September 1999 by Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz, Two Hands Wines has established itself as a benchmark in crafting outstanding Australian Shiraz. Based in Marananga in the Barossa Valley in Southern Australia, the estate began with just 17 tons of grapes and today is distributed in 69 countries. Now led by Michael Twelftree and Pierre-Henri Morel, co-owners since 2022, Two Hands stands out for its philosophy of showcasing the regional diversity of Australian Shiraz. Recognized as “the best négociant operation south of the equator” by Robert Parker, the House achieved an unprecedented place in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 for ten consecutive years. The team is rounded out by Richard Langford, head winemaker since 2019, and Peter Raymond, vineyard manager.

The vineyard

The Holy Grail Shiraz 2021 comes from the namesake vineyard located in the Seppeltsfield subregion, in the heart of the Barossa Valley. This 89-acre estate stretches along the picturesque palm-lined Avenue of Hopes & Dreams, on the famous Seppeltsfield Road. The vines, six to twenty years old at the 2021 harvest, are planted at around 250 meters above sea level on soils rich in red and brown clay. This elevation encourages slow, gradual ripening, enabling the development of optimal aromatic complexity. The vineyard benefits from the Barossa Valley’s typically warm, dry climate, with day-to-night temperature variations that contribute to the wine’s balance.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in South Australia was described as extraordinary by critics, ranking among the finest of the past twenty-five years. The exceptional weather conditions that year yielded grapes of remarkable quality, combining concentration, balance, and freshness. This vintage allowed the Seppeltsfield terroir to express itself optimally, giving rise to powerful yet elegant wines with excellent aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Holy Grail Shiraz 2021 are hand-harvested and then destemmed before being placed into small stainless-steel tanks. Fermentation is carried out with gentle pump-overs performed two to three times per day, allowing for delicate extraction of tannins and aromas. After an average ten-day skin maceration, the wine is pressed and the free-run and press fractions are blended in tank for malolactic fermentation. Aging takes place for eighteen months in French oak barrels ranging from one to four fills, with up to 50% new oak. The wine is bottled in November following the harvest, with minimal fining and without filtration in order to preserve its natural complexity and aromatic integrity.

Grape variety

100% Shiraz