The 2006 Shiraz Max’s Garden comes from the up-and-coming GI of Heathcote. Opaque purple-colored, it has an enticing nose of violets, mulberry, plum, and blackberry. This is followed by a racy, slightly tart Shiraz in which notes of vanilla and other spices make an appearance. It will blossom for another 2-3 years and offer prime drinking from 2011 to 2021. Two Hands is a negociant operation run impeccably by Michael Twelftree. It reflects the best that can be sourced from all over South Australia. The packaging provides some serious design competition to the Dan Philips R Wine portfolio. The Garden Series is Shiraz sourced from a wide range of South Australia vineyards and line-priced at $60.Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; www.twohandswines.com

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