When two good mates get together, one the Chief Winemaker with a major winery, the other with a passion for wine –  the inevitable had to happen and Purple Hands Wines was created. Craig Stansborough and Mark Slade started Purple Hands in 2006 from humble beginnings. Just over a tonne of hand picked Shiraz was crushed and barrel fermented in Craig’s shed making around 100 dozen. 

Sourced from the Zerk vineyard in Lyndoch; 30% whole cluster. Fragrant and bouncy fruits on the nose, red cherry and plum, redcurrant and cranberries. Hints of gingerbread, fine spice, cola, citrus blossom, red lollies and earth. Vibrant, pure and bouncy on the palate with lovely spiced red fruits and amaro tones. Great, energetic drinking. Date: Aug 2024; Alcohol: 14%; Price: $40.00; Drink by: 2032; Rating: 94 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

It's splendidly fruited and perfumed on the nose, showing Black Doris plum, dark cherry, olive and toasted spice aromas, followed by a succulent palate offering fleshy texture backed by layers of silky tannins, finishing persistent and soothing. At its best: now to 2035. Date: July 2024; Price: $40.00; Rating: 95 Points; Wine Orbit