Two Hands Gnarly Dudes 2006

I went out with a couple of friends of mine last night. We all work at the Uptown's The Tasting Room (TTR) and when we go out, we usually drink beer so that usually means we drink at Champps.

Last night was different though, we all wanted to drink wine, but not at TTR. We chose Max's Wine Dive since we get the employee discount there (it is owned by TTR) and of course the food is goooo ooood.

We decided on the Two Hands Gnarly Dudes 2006. I've had it before and like it very much. This wine is on the more mid-range as far as price, going for about $40-50 a bottle.

It is an Australian Shiraz and is characteristic of one. It is fruit forward, good alcohol, and firm but not overpowering tannins. The fruit is dark; cherries, blueberries, with a bit of spice and hint of milk chocolate. It is supple on the tongue and has a lingering finish. A very nice bottle.

-H

Fetish Wines 2005 Playmates

We just recently brought this wine into our stores. It is a classic French Southern Rhone blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro but made in the Barossa Valley of Australia. Wait. What? Isn't the Southern Rhone blend Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre? You are absolutely correct!

Mataro is what the Australian's call Mourvedre and Shiraz is what the Australian's call Syrah. This wine is classic New World with the Aussie's love of fruit with a good balance of alcohol and tannins.

A deep hued wine with nice dark berries and cherries, a hint of vanilla, and spice. It has a good mid palate, nice balance, and a lingering finish. All of this along with the wine label definitely makes this a sexy wine. Very nice!

-H