Two Hands Shiraz Barney’s Block

Introduction

Michael Twelftree, the hands-on owner, has identified important vineyards, or sections within vineyards, with the X-factor. One of them is Barney’s Block on McMurtrie Road in McLaren Vale. This small-production wine is treated individually from crushing to fermentation through oak ageing, with the final destination of each barrel not determined until six months following harvest, when it is analysed (and may be declassified if it fails to match this wine’s high requirements). The goal is to allow character of place the greatest possible chance to assert itself, with minimal intervention in the winemaking and subtle use of oak.