Dandelion Vineyards is a renowned winery in Australia with a rich history that dates back several decades. Founded in 2008 by Elena and Zar Brooks, it is nestled in the Barossa Valley, a region known for its exceptional wine production.

The winery takes its name from the dandelion flower, a resilient and abundant plant that represents the philosophy of the vineyard - to create sustainable and diverse wines that represent the unique terroir of the Barossa Valley.

The story of Dandelion Vineyards begins with a passion for preserving the rich viticultural heritage of the Barossa Valley. Elena and Zar Brooks sought out old vineyards that were at risk of being uprooted and meticulously revived them.

By focusing on old vineyards, some dating back to the early 1900s, Dandelion Vineyards managed to unlock the hidden treasures of the Barossa Valley. The winery believes that these ancient vines possess a depth of character and flavor that is unparalleled in younger vines, resulting in wines with exceptional complexity and a true expression of the region.

Along with the previous Bin Ends feature "Honeypot of the Barossa" Roussanne, the other standout wine from Dandelion Vineyards is the Lion Heart of the Barossa Shiraz. This Shiraz epitomizes the bold and powerful nature of the Barossa Valley. The Lion Heart is crafted from a selection of hand-harvested grapes from meticulously nurtured vineyards, including the Eden Valley and Ebenezer sub-regions. The wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels to further enhance its structure and complexity.

The Lion Heart of the Barossa Shiraz 2021 is a wine that exudes opulence and grace. On the nose, it entices with aromas of blackberries, plums, and hints of eucalyptus and cedar. On the palate, it reveals a full-bodied and velvety texture, with a generous array of dark fruits, chocolate, and spices. The tannins are firm yet well-integrated, providing a solid backbone to the wine, and the finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression of rich fruit and subtle oak.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW/PRODUCT REVIEWS:
James Halliday: Rated 92 Points
"There is a lot to like here with a distinctly contemporary take on a classic Barossa style that centres around fruit purity and pure drinkability. Super-ripe black cherry, blackberry and satsuma plum fruits, an array of spice, purple florals, licorice and kirsch tones, superfine sandy tannins and bright cadence, despite the opulence of the fruit. Pretty impressive stuff at this pricepoint."

The New Zealand International Wine Show: Rated 96 Points Double Gold

In summary, Dandelion Vineyards stands as a testament to the Barossa Valley's winemaking legacy. Through their commitment to preserving old vines and crafting wines that showcase the unique terroir, they create exceptional wines, such as the Lion Heart of the Barossa Shiraz 2021 that encapsulate the essence of the region, with its powerful yet elegant character. The 2021 Dandellion Lionheart of the Barossa is a truly delightful wine for any wine enthusiast.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
Producer Name: Dandelion Vineyards
Old/New World: New World
Country of Origin: Australia
Region: South Australia
Sub-Region: Barossa Valley
Appellation: Barossa Valley
Village/Vineyard/Climat: God's Hill Vineyard
Quality Designation: GI
Grape Varietals: Shiraz
Vintage: 2021
Product Type: Wine
Wine Style: Fuller Body Red
Viticultural Features: Ancient, gnarled vines, many over a hundred years of age, are not only surviving but thriving on their own roots in some of the oldest soils on the planet.
Winemaking Techniques:  hand harvested, naturally fermented in open fermenters for eight days, hand plunged twice a day, basket pressing into some new yet predominantly older French Oak Barriques to finish fermentation. After 18 months maturation and a racking in the same oak, bottled without filtration or fining.
Winemaker: Elena Brooks
ABV: 14.5%
Pack/Size: 12/750 ml
Container Type: Dark Green glass Bordeaux-style bottle
Closure Style: Stelvin closure