We were excited to be in a new venue, the Marriott Vancouver Pinnacle Downtown. Mark Davidson was kind enough to join us and guide us through nine interesting wines, accompanied by a delicious 5 course meal especially selected and prepared for us by Executive Chef James Burnett.
This event showed us the tremendous diversity of wines that are beginning to come out of McLaren Vale. This region has a wealth of wine types and styles.
Many thanks to Mark and the extremely professional staff at the Marriott Pinnacle.
Standout Dishes:
- Roast Duck Breast, Sour Cherry Reduction, Celeriac Puree
- Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake, Port Soaked Figs
Standout Wines:
- Red Heads Studio Nebbiolo 2005
- Pertaringa "The Full Fronti" 20 year old Liqueur Frontignac NV
October 25th, 2010 - "Two Hands with Michael Twelftree"
Two Hands Wines is based in the Barossa Valley. It was started in 1999 and has gone from strength to strength with it's wines. We were privileged to have proprietor Michael Twelftree join us and tell us about these wines and his philosophy of winemaking.
Michael is a truly interesting fellow with a viewpoint that is often unique yet spot on. He has championed regional expression and single-vineyard uniqueness with his wines, which are consistently done in a bold, forward and delicious style. Two Hands sources grapes from every major region in South Australia and it was very interesting to taste the differences between the different areas, showing that Australian wines can truly have a sense of place, or "terroir".
We were fortunate to taste nine fantastic wines while Michael described the associated sites, vintages and winemaking techniques used.
All of the appetizers were delicious, particularly the Red-Wine Braised Pemberton Meadows Shortrib Tartlet with Poplar Grove Tiger Blue Cheese.
Standout Wines:
- "The Lucky Country" Shiraz/Grenache 2009: "Highly perfumed nose showing bright cherry leads to a palate of wonderful dark fruits, blueberries and spices. Has excellent length and is great value at only $20."
- Two Hands "Bad Impersonator" Shiraz Barossa Valley 2006 - "Very aromatic, high-toned nose. Medium bodied, showing good acidity. Plummy yet distinguished - long, long finish. This single vineyard wine is distinctly Un-Barossa in style. Could body-double for a fine Northern Rhone wine. Really interesting to drink."
- Two Hands "Samantha's Garden" Shiraz Clare Valley 2006 - "Nose of White Pepper and Blackberry. Fruit continues into the palate, complimented by Cocoa. Finishes with fine tannins and great length. Fantastic."