Deep purple-black in color, the 2009 “Barney’s Block” Shiraz is profoundly scented of warm blackberries and blueberry preserve over nuances of yeast extract, black olives, cloves, bacon fat and cedar. Very full bodied and powerful in the mouth, the palate is packed with primary blackberry and meaty / earthy flavors with ample support from a medium to firm level of grainy tannins and enlivening acid, finishing long with some baking spices coming through. Consider drinking this one 2013 to 2024+. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; www.twohandswines.com

The single vineyard wines begin with the 2007 Shiraz Barney’s Block McMurtrie Road in McLaren Vale. It was aged in 50% new French oak for 20 months. Opaque purple-colored, it offers up a captivating nose of sandalwood, incense, lavender, bacon, and blueberry. Velvety-textured, layered, and opulent (a rarity in this vintage), it has enough fine-grained tannin to evolve for 3-4 years. This lengthy effort has a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2027. 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