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. 

The colour is a vibrant crimson with purple hues. Explosion of pure fruit on the nose, red and black berries dominate with Mataro florals evident. The palate is vibrant, the juicy and sweet fruited nature of this wine is quite alluring. The tannins are wonderfully fine and add balance to the sweet fruit, the crisp acidity give a refreshing finish and lovely flow.

A bright, bouncy Rhône-style blend of mataro, grenache and shiraz, all sourced from the southern end of the Barossa Valley. Bright magenta in hue, some nice bunchy spice on the lead in before aromas of macerated plum, tarte Tatin, ginger cake, pressed flowers, Peking duck and earth. It's got a real easy drinking vibe. Pure of fruit with some nice textural aspects and billowy tannins before slipping out on a tide of spicy red and dark fruits, finishing savoury and moreish. Date: Nov 2023; Alcohol: 14%; Price: $35.00; Drink by: 2030; Rating: 93 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion