2009 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz

Glass-staining purple. Rich blackberry and blueberry compote, mocha and licorice on the nose, along with a hint of dried violet. Fleshy and large-scaled but with surprising vivacity to the flavors of dark berries, mocha and floral pastilles. A lush, textbook Australian shiraz that finishes long and juicy, with echoing florality. This is made from the same sources as the Bella's Garden.

Deeper and richer than the Angels Share, with a more subtle profile, the 2009 Two Hands Shiraz Gnarly Dudes, aged for 14 months in older, larger French oak, is loaded with sweet cassis and blackberry fruits, licorice, earth, and spice. Over the evening, the fruit recedes slightly, with the profile turning more complex, meaty, and floral. Medium to full bodied on the palate with a decadent, polished texture, superb balance, sweet fruit, and a long finish, this fantastic value delivers on both the aromatics, and the palate. While this will most likely evolve well for a decade, I’d drink bottles over the coming 3-5 years.