Two Hands Shiraz Ares 2016

The 2016 Ares Shiraz is a deep, dark red with a black core and deeply pitched aromas of blackberry, sage, cacao beans, lavender and Christmas spice. It crashes against the palate with authority. Lots of density of flavor, rich and vibrant fruits and deeply embedded yet complexing notes of dried lavender, star anise, coffee grounds, and cacao beans add depth and intrigue. Its stern and authoritative demeanor hits every corner and crevice of the mid-palate as only a Barossa Shiraz can. It tightens through the finish with commanding and bold tannins, and has length to burn. This is a wine which demands cellaring.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate    The 2016 Ares Shiraz shows a glossy sheen of cedar and vanilla, but underneath that lies some impressively concentrated raspberry and blueberry fruit. There's also a distracting lifted note. If that resolves in time or integrates with the rest of the wine, my rating could be conservative, as this firmly built wine should have the ability to age up to two decades. Right now, once past the initial burst of mixed berries, this full-bodied wine shows hints of leather and spice on the tannic finish, but it's dramatically primary and tight, in need of decanting to show its best.