Dandelion Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2023
Product Information
Country Australia
Region Barossa
Grape Variety Shiraz
Vintage 2023
ABV 14.5%
If you are looking to buy Dandelion Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2023, this expressive Barossa Valley Shiraz delivers the generous dark-fruited character that red wines from this region are famous for, combined with the depth and structure that come from old vines.
Produced by Dandelion Vineyards and winemaker Elena Brooks, Lionheart is a tribute to Carl Lindner, a lifelong champion of Barossa's old vines. The 2023 vintage comes from ancient, gnarled Shiraz vines, many more than 100 years old, grown on their own roots.
The result is a rich yet balanced Australian red with layers of plum, blackberry, and blueberry, complemented by dark chocolate, coffee, liquorice, spice, and subtle oak.
2023 Vintage Overview
The Dandelion Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2023 is a particularly compelling expression of the Lionheart style. The wine has a deep magenta-purple colour and an aromatic profile that develops considerably in the glass.
Dandelion's traditional approach is central to the wine's character. Whole bunches of Shiraz were hand harvested and naturally fermented in open fermenters, with regular hand plunging. The wine was then basket pressed into a combination of new and predominantly older French oak barriques before spending approximately 18 months maturing in oak.
It was bottled without filtration or fining, helping preserve the vineyard's character.
Compared with simply fruit-driven Barossa Shiraz, the 2023 Lionheart brings greater savoury detail, with earthy, floral, mocha, and liquorice nuances alongside its ripe fruit. It is approachable now, but its structure also makes it a candidate for further cellaring.
2023 Tasting Notes
Appearance: An intense, almost impenetrable dark purple and magenta colour with youthful vibrancy.
Nose: The 2023 vintage opens with ripe plum, black cherry, blueberry, and blackberry, followed by layers of dark chocolate, cocoa nib, espresso, earth, liquorice, and sweet spice. Depending on time in the glass, notes of clove, coffee and mocha emerge.
Palate: Full-bodied, generous, and concentrated, with succulent dark fruit at the core. Fine, silty tannins provide structure without overwhelming the fruit, while bright acidity keeps the wine fresh and energetic.
The finish is long and savoury, combining dark berries, chocolate, spice, and earthy complexity.
Wine Critics' Scores – Lionheart 2023
The 2023 vintage has received recognition from several Australian and international wine competitions and publications:
93/100: SA Wine Guide 2025: praised for its coffee bean, clove, mocha, dark chocolate, blueberry and mulberry character, supple texture, and silky tannins.
92/100: James Halliday's Wine Companion: Dave Brookes highlighted satsuma plum, black cherry, blueberry, cocoa nib, dark chocolate, espresso, earth, and liquorice, with fine tannins and bright acidity.
91/100: The Real Review: Aaron Brasher noted plum, dark cherry, choc-mint, bramble, sweet spice, and earth, followed by concentrated dark fruit, spice, and structured tannins.
93/100: International Wine Challenge 2025: described the wine as youthful and juicy, with boysenberry and blackberry, an elegant structure and long, layered finish.
90/100: Decanter World Wine Awards 2025: awarded the wine a Silver medal, highlighting sweet fruit, pencil lead, warm spice, and a rich, succulent palate.
Food Pairing: What to Eat with Lionheart Shiraz
The richness and structure of Dandelion Lionheart Shiraz 2023 make it an excellent match for hearty, flavourful dishes.
Try it with:
• Grilled or reverse-seared ribeye steak
• Slow-cooked beef cheeks or brisket
• Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic
• Barbecued beef and smoky ribs
• Mushroom and truffle dishes
• Aged cheddar or mature hard cheeses
For a classic Australian pairing, serve it alongside roast lamb or a beautifully charred steak.
Buy Dandelion Lionheart Shiraz 2023 Online
Choose the Dandelion Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2023 when you want a full-bodied Barossa red combining ripe fruit, old-vine character, savoury complexity, and refined oak.
Ready to drink after opening, the wine can also benefit from decanting. For collectors, published tasting guidance suggests it has the structure to develop over the coming years, with the SA Wine Guide recommending enjoyment through approximately 2034.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Dandelion Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2023 a good wine?
A. Yes. The 2023 vintage has received strong reviews, including 93 points from the SA Wine Guide and International Wine Challenge, 92 from James Halliday's Wine Companion and 91 from The Real Review.
Q. What does Dandelion Lionheart Shiraz 2023 taste like?
A. Expect ripe plum, blackberry, blueberry, and dark cherry, with additional flavours and aromas of dark chocolate, mocha, coffee, liquorice, earth, and sweet spice.
Q. Is Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2023 full-bodied?
A. Yes. It is a full-bodied Barossa Shiraz, but bright acidity and fine, structured tannins help balance its generous fruit character.
Q. Who makes Dandelion Lionheart of the Barossa?
A. Lionheart is made by Dandelion Vineyards, with Elena Brooks as winemaker. The wine focuses on old-vine Barossa Shiraz and traditional, low-intervention techniques.
Q. How should I serve Dandelion Lionheart Shiraz 2023?
A. Serve slightly below room temperature, around 16–18°C. Decanting for approximately 30–60 minutes can help open the wine and reveal additional layers of fruit, spice, and savoury character.
