Two Hands A.R.E.S. Shiraz Barossa Valley 750ML

Two Hands A.R.E.S. (Ares) Shiraz is the pinnacle expression from Two Hands Wines, an acclaimed Australian producer based in the Barossa Valley, South Australia. Named after Ares, the bold and powerful God of War in ancient Greek mythology, this wine sits at the very top of the Two Hands Flagship Series.

Each year, every one of the winery's 1,500 barrels of Shiraz is tasted to identify only the finest cuvée worthy of the Ares label. The handful of barrels selected are then matured for 18 months in new and one-year-old French oak before a final tasting determines the ultimate blend. The result is a statuesque, powerful, and deeply flavoured wine that combines elegance and vivacity.

Aromatically, the wine delivers blackberry, bitumen, black pepper, cocoa, roasted meat, dried herbs, and warm earth. On the palate it is dense and full-bodied, showcasing ripe blue and purple fruits, ironstone, mocha, vanilla, and cedar, all framed by fine gravelly tannins that carry the wine to a long, lingering finish. Recent vintages have scored 96–97 points from leading critics. The wine rewards extended cellaring but can also be enjoyed upon release.

Ideal food pairings include grilled or charred red meats such as ribeye steak or lamb chops, slow-braised dishes like beef cheek, game meats, and aged cheeses such as Cheddar or Manchego. Dark chocolate with high cacao content also pairs well.