The Lucky Country is a new exciting venture between Two Hands Wines, Barossa Valley, Australia and their US importer. The new label materialized when Two Hands declassified 15% to 20% of its production from the 2002 and 2003 Vintage. Michael and Richard felt the quality of the wine warranted its release as a sophisticated offering at a reasonable price. The 2004 The Lucky Country is a Cabernet Shiraz blend made from the brilliant 2004 Langhorne Creek vintage. An interesting food styled wine that will pair easily with all dishes. Opaque black purple colour. Perfumed sniff of dark chocolate, raspberry, liquorice and violets.The palate flavour profile is lighter than the nose suggests, with spice, black pepper and plum flavours emerging. Fine dry tannins. Long spice and white pepper aftertaste. Two Hands Wines
Deep dark garnet in colour. When initially opened the wine was fairly harsh on the nose and palate but opened up over quite a few hours. Notes primarily from the latter part of opening. Blackberries and chocolate with stewed plums abound on the aromatic nose. The palate doesn't quite live up to the promise of the nose, with some sharp acid coming into play. There is a slight disjoint at the forepalate, which I ascribe to the wine's youth. Warming palate feel reflecting I suspect a $14.5%+ alcohol, good breadth across the palate, good weight tannins on the back palate before a good long finish.
For me on the warmer side of Langhorne Cabernet blends, it would attract many Barossa drinkers. It's structure showed through with time in the decanter. Some time in the cellar would see better integration of flavours and appreciation in quality score. Drink 2009-2014; Quality: 92/100 (Excellent) Value: Exceptional - MA StarPanelŠ September 2006
