By Harvey Steiman

Shiraz Clare Valley Samantha's Garden 2007

92 points

90 cases imported

"Shows density and grace

By Josh Reynolds

92 Points

"Vivid ruby. Reticent but complex nose displays primary red and dark berry aromas along with rhubarb

By Joe Czerwinski

This wine's elevated alcohol level (16.2%) gives it plenty of fullness on the palate, and combined with jammy fruit and superripe tannins makes for a slightly sweet palate impression and a creamy texture. It does offer waves of raspberry and blueberry fruit topped by hints of cinnamon and vanilla as well as savory undercurrents of grilled meat and tapenade. Drink now and over the next few years for its exuberant fruit.

By Harvey Steiman

Supple, focused and distinctive for a minerally cast to its blackberry and cherry flavors, finishing with a range of meaty flavors that play against the fruit. The tannins are well-submerged, and the finish rolls on and on. Best from 2009 through 2016."

5092180,Two Hands Wines,Samanthas Garden,2006,The Patterson's Tasting Panel,Anthony Dias Blue,93,2008:07:01 00:00:00,NULL,"Silky, dense and bright with amazing intensity, racy acidity and ripe blackberry fruit; energetic notes of butter and oak."

5092070,Two Hands Wines,Ares,2006,Wine Spectator Insider,Harvey Steiman,96,2008:07:09 00:00:00,NULL,"Polished and generous. A plush mouthful of cherry, blackberry and creamy spice flavors that linger effortlessly on the long, open-textured finish. There's power in this wine, but it lurks below the glassy, seamless surface, ready to grow and get more complex with aging."

5092205,Two Hands Wines,Angels Share,2007,Wine Spectator Insider,Harvey Steiman,92,2008:07:09 00:00:00,NULL,"Big, bold and expressive, with some unexpected transparency to the black cherry, raspberry, red plum and Asian spice aromas and flavors, lingering on the open-textured finish. The aftertaste just keeps coming."

5092210,Two Hands Wines,Bad Impersonator,2006,Wine Spectator Insider,Harvey Steiman,91,2008:07:09 00:00:00,NULL,"Smooth and polished, with a pretty mint note adding interest to the blueberry and blackberry flavors, persisting expressively on the long, generous finish."

5092330,Two Hands Wines,Coach House Block Cabernet Sauvignon,2006,Wine Spectator Insider,Harvey Steiman,92,2008:07:09 00:00:00,NULL,"Ripe and aromatic. A big, fleshy Cabernet, with gorgeous currant and cherry fruit, picking up a strong minty note as the finish expands and becomes more expressive. It takes two or three sips for the tannins to slip in, yet they put a light but positive grip on the finish."

5092335,Two Hands Wines,Coach House Block Shiraz,2006,Wine Spectator Insider,Harvey Steiman,95,2008:07:09 00:00:00,NULL,"Plush in texture, lavishly oaked and resonant with gorgeous black cherry, plum and licorice flavors that glide smoothly over polished tannins and linger impressively on the long, generous finish. Defines power with finesse."

5092050,Two Hands Wines,Aphrodite,2006,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,95,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Opaque ruby. Vibrant red and dark berry aromas are complicated by cured tobacco, fresh flowers and suave oak spices. The palate features deeper blackberry and boysenberry, with impressive, mounting minerality adding verve. Turns spicier and sweeter on the finish, which leaves a strong impression of fresh dark berries. This very impressive wine's tannins are completely absorbed by its luscious fruit."

5092070,Two Hands Wines,Ares,2006,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,94,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Inky purple. Hugely aromatic nose displays vivid scents of blackberry, cassis, graphite, licorice and lavender. Shockingly lithe and precise, with vibrant red and dark berry, mineral and cured tobacco flavors supported by suave, velvety tannins. Becomes sweeter and juicier with air, finishing with nervy minerality and outstanding persistence. A very deft blend of power and finesse."

5092120,Two Hands Wines,Bellas Garden,2006,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,93,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Ruby-red. Energetic red and dark berry, floral and mineral scents along with a hint of spun sugar. Lively, sharply focused black raspberry and cherry preserve flavors are surprisingly weightless, with back-end mineral bite adding energy. A vibrant, deeply flavored shiraz that's very inviting right now but has the balance to age."

5092130,Two Hands Wines,Harry and Edwards Garden,2006,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,92,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Ruby-red. Spicy, mineral-driven red berry aromas are complicated by pungent herbs and fresh flowers. Sappy strawberry and raspberry flavors are strikingly pure and energetic, with a light touch that reminded me of pinot noir. A very suave, fresh wine with excellent finishing energy and lingering minerality."

5092150,Two Hands Wines,Lilys Garden,2006,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,92+,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Inky ruby. Ripe blackberry and boysenberry aromas are youthfully brooding and slightly smoky, opening reluctantly to display fruitcake, baking spices and dried flowers. Deep and chewy, with sappy dark berry flavors and slow-building spiciness. Really fills the mouth, but this isn't exactly heavy, or too sweet. Definitely give this densely packed shiraz some age."

5092160,Two Hands Wines,Maxs Garden,2006,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,92,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Inky ruby. Intensely perfumed nose displays spicy red berries, dark cherry and smoky minerals. Fresh and juicy, with vibrant raspberry and sweet cherry flavors, silky texture and fully absorbed tannins. A racy, sharply focused style that finishes with refreshing lift and cut."

5092180,Two Hands Wines,Samanthas Garden,2006,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,93,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Glass-staining ruby. Vibrant red berry and floral aromas are impressively pure and high-pitched. Tangy raspberry and cherry flavors display striking clarity and are deepened by smoky minerals and candied violet. I was shocked when Michael Twelftree told me that this wine was packing 16% alcohol as I found no heat, excess weight, thickness or sweetness. The energetic red fruits carry through the long, seamless, mineral-tinged finish. I've had plenty of high-end New World pinots that were less graceful than this wine."

5092190,Two Hands Wines,Sophies Garden,2006,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,92,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Inky ruby. Red berries, pomegranate and Indian spices on the nose, with a light floral quality adding interest. Tangy black raspberry and cherry skin flavors display impressive energy and good mineral cut, with silky tannins adding structure. Finishes clean, nervy and fresh, with the tangy berry qualities echoing."

5092205,Two Hands Wines,Angels Share,2007,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Reynolds,90,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Vivid ruby. Red berries, cherry, fresh rose and smoky bacon on the varietally expressive nose. Vibrant raspberry and blackcurrant flavors are concentrated, clean and brisk, boasting impressive juicy lift. I can't find any tannins. The zesty red berry notes carry through on the sharply focused finish."

5092210,Two Hands Wines,Bad Impersonator,2006,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,91,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Inky ruby. Explosively perfumed, complex bouquet of blackberry, mulberry and Asian spices. Lush dark berry flavors offer impressive juicy clarity and depth, with subtle baking spices gaining strength with air. A fresh, energetic, graceful wine with no excess weight and impressive finishing lift and grip."

5092215,Two Hands Wines,Brave Faces,2007,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,89+,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Deep ruby. Ripe cherry and blackberry aromas are complicated by whiffs of mocha and cracked pepper. Fleshy dark berry flavors are brightened by minerals and black pepper, with silky tannins contributing grip. Became firmer with air, finishing with a kiss of black pepper and a sweet berry note. I'd give this some time to flesh out."

5092240,Two Hands Wines,For Love or Money,2007,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,92,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Greenish-gold color. Exotic fruits, melon and peach on the nose, with baking spices and floral honey adding complexity. The honey note carries onto the palate, which features ripe honeydew, vanilla and guava flavors. Strikingly sweet and chewy but lively wine with excellent mineral lift and cut on the finish. This clocks in at 280 grams per liter of residual sugar, but that sweetness is suavely buffered by the wine's tangy minerality."

5092250,Two Hands Wines,Gnarly Dudes,2006,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,91,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Opaque, glass-staining purple. Pungent, strikingly floral nose combines blackberry, blueberry, Indian spices, violet and incense. Fleshy but light on its feet, with chewy dark berry flavors delivering solid flavor impact with minimal weight. Fresh, linear and pure, with excellent finishing lift and cut and strong dark berry qualities. Very graceful shiraz."

5092295,Two Hands Wines,Yesterdays Hero,2007,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,90,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"(Raised in barrels that were at least four years old.) Deep red. Suave red berry, cherry and floral aromas are complemented by pungent herbs and smoky minerals; this smells like something from southern France. Spicy, light-bodied raspberry and sweet cherry flavors are focused and pure, with no obvious tannins or rough spots. Floral pastille and red berry preserve flavors build on the long, sappy finish. I'd never have guessed that this was from Barossa."

5092330,Two Hands Wines,Coach House Block Cabernet Sauvignon,2006,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,94,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Deep ruby. Red- and blackcurrant, crystallized flowers, cured tobacco and suave oak spices on the nose. Deeply concentrated but energetic, with vivid red and dark berry flavors complicated by candied rose, lavender and cola. Takes a turn toward blueberry and boysenberry with air and finishes with subtle tannic grip and a jolt of tangy berry skin. A wonderfully fresh cabernet with outstanding finishing cut."

5092335,Two Hands Wines,Coach House Block Shiraz,2006,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,94,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Opaque ruby. Deeply concentrated and youthfully brooding on the nose, with a slow-to-open bouquet of dark berry preserves, hot asphalt, cured tobacco, spicecake and crystallized flowers. Juicy blackberry, cassis and cherry-cola flavors are deepened by bitter chocolate and candied licorice, yet maintain improbable clarity. Manages to be deep and lively at once, and offers outstanding finishing clarity, energy and clinging persistence. There's no excess fat or warmth here, despite the fact that this weighs in at almost 17% alcohol. Pretty impressive."

5092390,Two Hands Wines,Zippy's Block Shiraz,2006,Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,Josh Raynolds,94,2008:07:31 00:00:00,NULL,"Opaque ruby. Black raspberry, Asian spices, fresh rose and cracked pepper on the nose. Juicy dark berry flavors deliver sweetness and energy, with palate-staining intensity and exotic candied floral and cinnamon qualities. Very well balanced for all its power and concentration, finishing with outstanding thrust, clarity and lingering sweetness. The tannins are completely absorbed by the sheer mass of fruit."

5092130,Two Hands Wines,Harry and Edwards Garden,2006,Australian Wine Companion,James Halliday,93,2008:08:15 00:00:00,NULL,"Radically different aroma and flavour profile, with spice, leaf and mint added to the red and black fruits on a relatively firm palate."

5092050,Two Hands Wines,Aphrodite,2005,Australian Wine Companion,James Halliday,94,2008:09:01 00:00:00,NULL,"Lusciously rich and thick, very ripe blackcurrant confit topped with creamy oak and a drizzle of chocolate/mocha; a carefully engineered style."

5092070,Two Hands Wines,Ares,2005,Australian Wine Companion,James Halliday,94,2008:09:01 00:00:00,NULL,"Has the explosive impact of the late Maria Callas, jam-packed with juicy black fruits and the hot breath of alcohol; take it on her/its terms, or not at all."

5092120,Two Hands Wines,Bellas Garden,2006,Wine Enthusiast,Joe Czerwinski,91,2008:09:01 00:00:00,NULL,"A big (15.6% alcohol) wine, the 2006 Bella's Garden nevertheless comes across as balanced and drinkable in its youth, marrying a rich, creamy texture with mixed berry fruit and hints of mint and vanilla. Avoids any cooked character, finishing long and fresh. Drink now - 2015."

5092120,Two Hands Wines,Bellas Garden,2006,Australian Wine Companion,James Halliday,94,2008:09:01 00:00:00,NULL,"More opulent and fleshy than Gnarly Dudes, leaving no corner of the mouth untouched; the fruit, oak and tannins carry the alcohol."

5092150,Two Hands Wines,Lilys Garden,2006,Australian Wine Companion,James Halliday,92,2008:09:01 00:00:00,NULL,"Has more texture and definition than the Angel's Share, the common feature being the sweet fruit (plus oak, of course)."

5092160,Two Hands Wines,Maxs Garden,2006,Australian Wine Companion,James Halliday,95,2008:09:01 00:00:00,NULL,"More aromatic and with red fruits joining the blackberry; a fine, gently savoury palate, with little or no sweetness to contend with."

5092180,Two Hands Wines,Samanthas Garden,2006,Australian Wine Companion,James Halliday,93,2008:09:01 00:00:00,NULL,"Very concentrated, dense black fruits and dark chocolate; the alcohol warmth posing a question, but the wine just gets away with it."

5092190,Two Hands Wines,Sophies Garden,2006,Australian Wine Companion,James Halliday,94,2008:09:01 00:00:00,NULL,"The lightest of the premium range in terms of colour and body, but does have appealing spicy elements; is not unduly sweet, and has good length.

By Anthony Dias Blue

Bright and juicy with lovely floral notesrose petal, lavenderand black cherry fruit; balanced, long and suave with great depth."

5092190,Two Hands Wines,Sophies Garden,2006,The Patterson's Tasting Panel,Anthony Dias Blue,92,2009:01:01 00:00:00,NULL,"Dense and tannic with rich texture and powerful black fruit and chocolate; ripe, edgy, long and needing some age."

5092330,Two Hands Wines,Coach House Block Cabernet Sauvignon,2006,The Patterson's Tasting Panel,Anthony Dias Blue,92,2009:01:01 00:00:00,NULL,"Fresh and juicy with light herbs, fresh plum and bright acidity; racy, long and dense with chocolate and spice."

5092335,Two Hands Wines,Coach House Block Shiraz,2006,The Patterson's Tasting Panel,Anthony Dias Blue,97,2009:01:01 00:00:00,NULL,"Silky and intense with explosive plum, blackberry and spice with lovely texture and bright acidity; seamless, long and exquisite with depth, style and finesse."

5092250,Two Hands Wines,Gnarly Dudes,2007,Wine Spectator Insider,Harvey Steiman,90,2009:01:21 00:00:00,NULL,"Dense and ripe, this is a bit alcoholic, but it's distinctive and bright with currant and persimmon flavors, finishing with allspice and cinnamon notes. Drink now through 2015."

5092160,Two Hands Wines,Maxs Garden,2006,Houston Chronicle,Dale Robertson,90,2009:02:23 00:00:00,NULL,Tasters unveil February favorites

Recommended Reds

2006 Max's Garden Shiraz

Quality score: 9.0 (Equivalent to a 90 on a 100-point scale).

5092050,Two Hands Wines,Aphrodite,2006,Wine Advocate,Jay Miller,95,2009:02:27 00:00:00,NULL,"There are three "icon" wines in the portfolio. The 2006 Aphrodite is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard facing Torbrecks Les Amis property. It was barrel-fermented and aged in 100% new French oak resulting in a super-rich, fragrant, complex Cabernet. The nose offers up aromas of toasty oak, pencil lead, spice box, black currant, and blackberry liqueur leading to an opulent wine with gobs of succulent flavor, well concealed ripe tannin, and impeccable balance. Cellar it for a decade and drink it through 2036."

5092070,Two Hands Wines,Ares,2006,Wine Advocate,Jay Miller,97+,2009:02:27 00:00:00,NULL,"There are three "icon" wines in the portfolio. The opaque purple-colored 2006 Ares is a 100% Shiraz cuvee sourced from Barossa (77%) and McLaren Vale (23%), which received some "200% new oak" treatment. Following a barrel selection of the winerys best Shiraz (not all of which was in new oak), the wine spent its last 12 months of elevage in 100% new French barriques. It offers up a room-filling perfume of toasty oak, pencil lead, vanilla, pepper, sage, plum, and blueberry pie. Opulent and layered on the palate, this extracted, mouth-filling effort has tons of succulent fruit, savory flavors, and a very long, fruit-filled finish. It will reward 6-8 years of cellaring and have a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2031."

5092120,Two Hands Wines,Bellas Garden,2006,Wine Advocate,Jay Miller,92,2009:02:27 00:00:00,NULL,"The purple-colored 2006 Shiraz Bellas Garden from Barossa Valley offers a brooding bouquet of wood smoke, pepper, damp earth, blueberry, and licorice. This leads to a full-bodied, layered Shiraz with excellent grip and power. Give it 2-3 years of additional cellaring and drink it from 2011 to 2022."

5092150,Two Hands Wines,Lilys Garden,2006,Wine Advocate,Jay Miller,92,2009:02:27 00:00:00,NULL,"The 2006 Shiraz Lilys Garden comes from McLaren Vale. It reveals a complex aromatic array including balsam wood, spice box, violets, earth notes, pepper, blueberry, and blackberry. Layered and rich, it conceals enough ripe tannin to evolve for another 2-3 years. It has outstanding grip, depth, and a lengthy, pure finish. Drink it from 2011 to 2022."

5092160,Two Hands Wines,Maxs Garden,2006,Wine Advocate,Jay Miller,90,2009:02:27 00:00:00,NULL,"The 2006 Shiraz Maxs 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."

5092180,Two Hands Wines,Samanthas Garden,2006,Wine Advocate,Jay Miller,92,2009:02:27 00:00:00,NULL,"The 2006 Shiraz Samanthas Garden is sourced from Clare Valley. It is a glass-coating opaque purple with aromas of pain grille, mineral, lavender, and blueberry. On the palate it is supple, layered, and concentrated with excellent integration of oak, tannin, and acidity. This lengthy wine has the stuffing to develop for several more years and should be at its best from 2013 to 2026."

5092190,Two Hands Wines,Sophies Garden,2006,Wine Advocate,Jay Miller,90+,2009:02:27 00:00:00,NULL,"The 2006 Shiraz Sophies Garden, sourced from Padthaway, delivers a complex bouquet of toasty oak, mineral, tar, black currant, and blueberry. Tightly wound but balanced on the palate, it will require 3-5 years to unwind and reveal its full potential. If this should occur, my score will seem conservative."

5092205,Two Hands Wines,Angels Share,2007,Wine Advocate,Jay Miller,91,2009:02:27 00:00:00,NULL,"The 2007 Shiraz Angels Share reveals a Cote-Rotie-like nose with its scents of mineral, meat, game and bacon. On the palate there is plenty of sweet, spicy blueberry fruit, silky tannin, and incipient complexity. Give it 1-2 years of additional cellaring and drink it from 2010 to 2017."

5092210,Two Hands Wines,Bad Impersonator,2006,Wine Advocate,Jay Miller,91,2009:02:27 00:00:00,NULL,"The deep crimson-colored 2006 Shiraz Bad Impersonator was aged in French oak, 30% new. It offers up an alluring bouquet of smoke, meat, bacon, spice box, and blueberry followed by a round, layered wine with tons of spicy blue fruits, good concentration, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. It will evolve for 2-3 years but can be enjoyed now."

5092215,Two Hands Wines,Brave Faces,2007,Wine Advocate,Jay Miller,90,2009:02:27 00:00:00,NULL,"The purple-colored 2007 Shiraz (64%)-Grenache (18%)-Mataro (18%) Brave Faces was aged in seasoned oak. It reveals earth notes, game, black cherry, and blueberry leading to a smooth-textured, forward, succulent wine with good grip and length. Drink it over the next five years."

5092220,Two Hands Wines,Brilliant Disguise,2008,Wine Advocate,Jay Miller,90,2009:02:27 00:00:00,NULL,"The light gold-colored 2008 Moscato Brilliant Disguise offers a delectable nose of spring flowers, honey, and baking spices. On the palate it is off dry and slightly effervescent in the style of Moscato d'Asti along with lively acidity and low (7%) alcohol. It is a candidate for booty-call wine of the year.

By Harvey Steiman

By far the best Clare Shiraz from Two Hands yet, with all the things that make Clare special. Bright and jazzy, amazingly generous with its exotic, pomegranate-infused cherry and plum flavors, all rolling along on an open texture, letting the flavors sail beautifully. There's a lovely touch of mineral on the finish. Drink now through 2015.