The 2008 Shiraz Gnarly Dudes is purple-colored with an expressive perfume of spice box, incense, smoked meat, and blueberry. Sweet on the palate with a bit of structure and plenty of ripe fruit, this medium-long effort can be enjoyed over the next 6 years. Michael Twelftree’s Two Hands negociant label is solid but not quite up to the standards established by the past several years because of the challenging 2007 and 2008 vintages in South Australia. The wines are discussed in the order in which they were presented. The Garden Series is designed to highlight Shiraz from a diversity of appellations (or GIs as they are known in Australia). Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; www.twohandswines.com

(South Australia) Subtle mint, creamy black fruit, leather, pepper, spice and medicinal aromas. Good commercial style %u2013 juicy, round, complex and long. A well-balanced wine. Drink: 2011%u20132017. Alc: 15%.