Who makes it?

Elena Brooks is the winemaker and also one of the co-owners of Dandelion Vineyards. Another one of the partners is Elena’s husband Zar Brooks, previously of Zontes Footstep. Over the past decade, Dandelion has quickly established their reputation for quality and each wine is very more-ish indeed. From the pretty floral overtones of the Enchanted Garden of Eden Valley Riesling through to dark chocolate savouriness of the Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz. Look out for the new range of wines from the Firehawk Farm. These vineyards are being converted to biodynamic principles.    

How they make it?

The Lion’s Tooth has been whole bunch fermented with stalks. This softens the tannins and enhance the fruit aromas and flavours. Meaning, it has started an enzymatic ferment inside the grapes until the grapes split and the usual alcoholic ferment starts. Interestingly, the Shiraz was co-fermented on Riesling skins.

The wine was then basket pressed and matured in old French oak for 18 months.

What does it taste like?

This is a prettily perfumed shiraz with plenty of rich, chocolate amongst the blackberry and raspberry fruit. The fuller body shapes the palate with powdery tannins and it is long. Long and plush. There is a flush of acid to keep it all fresh. As a result, it is a delicious mouthfull now. In case you’re inclined to cellar this one, it would be good for quite a while yet.

What to drink with it?

 A wine such as the Lion’s Tooth is a great match with roast lamb or beef with all the trimmings. Or equally carnivorous, bangers and mash. Or by the same token, a rich gravied pie wrapped in buttery flaky pastry.

Cheese

Cheddar or manchego would be a good start for this particular Dandelion Vineyards Shiraz.

Quickie review « From the first sniff, this is very much McLaren Vale in a glass. Plush, bold fruited while retaining its elegance.»

Country of Origin:  McLaren Vale, Australia
Tasting Date: December 20
Price:  £14 | USD$22 | AU$40
Drink: now – 5+ years
Needs food: no
Source: purchase

If you like the sound of this Dandelion Vineyards Shiraz, you might also like:
Dandelion Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz

Visit Dandelion Vineyards for more information.