Dandelion Vineyards Lioness of McLaren Vale Shiraz 2023
Product Information
Country Italy
Region Barossa
Grape Variety Shiraz
Vintage 2023
ABV 14.5%
The Dandelion Vineyards Lioness of McLaren Vale Shiraz 2023 is a refined, site-driven Shiraz from the elevated Bakers Gully subregion of McLaren Vale. Crafted from mature vines grown in ironstone-rich soils and aged in predominantly seasoned French oak, this elegant 2023 release captures the finesse and freshness of a cooler vintage.
Designed for lovers of structured yet aromatic Australian Shiraz, Lioness 2023 balances dark fruit power with lifted florals and savoury spice.
Wine Overview
• Wine: Dandelion Vineyards Lioness of McLaren Vale Shiraz 2023
• Producer: Dandelion Vineyards
• Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
• Subregion: Bakers Gully
• Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz
• Vineyard Elevation: 160 metres
• Oak Ageing: 16 months French oak barriques
• Fining/Filtration: Unfined & unfiltered
• Vintage: 2023
Single Vineyard: Bakers Gully Terroir
Lioness of McLaren Vale is sourced exclusively from Angus and Helen Tuck’s vineyard in Bakers Gully, a prized elevated pocket within McLaren Vale at 160 metres above sea level.
Here, mature Shiraz vines thrive, or struggle, in ironstone pebble-laden clay loam soils. Beneath this loam lies ancient Kurrajong Formation geology: a silica-cemented conglomerate ideally suited to growing expressive Shiraz. These well-draining soils naturally limit vigour and concentrate flavour, contributing to the wine’s structural precision and mineral edge.
The result is a McLaren Vale Shiraz that speaks clearly of place, powerful yet composed.
2023 Vintage: Cool, Slow & Site-Expressive
The 2023 growing season in McLaren Vale was notably cooler and wetter than average. Above-average winter and spring rainfall delayed budburst and early vine development. Cooler, rain-affected flowering increased disease pressure, and reduced fruit set, leading to significantly lower yields.
Summer remained mild, extending ripening and pushing harvest into April—later than typical for the region.
While challenging in the vineyard, these conditions produced wines of:
• Enhanced aromatic lift
• Fresh natural acidity
• Refined tannin structure
• Clear vineyard expression
The philosophy behind Dandelion Vineyards Lioness 2023 is purity of fruit and respect for vineyard character.
• Hand-picked fruit
• Whole bunches fermented together
• Open-top fermenters
• Indigenous (ambient) yeasts
• Hand-plunged for 12 days
• Basket pressed
The wine was matured for 16 months in French oak barriques, some new, though predominantly older oak to preserve fruit clarity. It was bottled without fining or filtration, maintaining texture, structure, and authenticity.
This hands-on approach delivers a Shiraz that is expressive, structured, and true to its origins.
Tasting Notes – Dandelion Vineyards Lioness of McLaren Vale 2023
Appearance: Deep crimson with purple hues.
Aroma: Ripe plum and dark berry notes intertwine with lifted violet florals, cracked black pepper, rosemary, and hints of dark chocolate.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with impressive freshness. Black plum and wild raspberry fruit are framed by dry, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. The oak influence is subtle, adding spice and structure without overshadowing the fruit.
Finish: Long, savoury, and poised with lingering pepper and mineral tones.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Lioness 2023 pairs beautifully with:
• Grilled ribeye steak
• Herb-crusted lamb rack
• Slow-roasted duck
• Chargrilled vegetables
• Hard aged cheeses
Serve at 16–18°C and decant for 45–60 minutes for optimal aromatic expression.
Ageing Potential
Thanks to its balanced acidity, structured tannins, and careful oak maturation, Dandelion Lioness of McLaren Vale 2023 will reward cellaring for 8–12 years. Over time, expect further savoury development and integration.
Why Buy Dandelion Vineyards Lioness of McLaren Vale 2023?
• Single-vineyard Shiraz from Bakers Gully
• Cool-vintage elegance and freshness
• Hand-picked, whole-bunch fermented
• 16 months French oak ageing
• Unfined and unfiltered
• Excellent cellaring potential
• Limited-production McLaren Vale Shiraz
This is not a heavy, over-extracted style it is a refined, terroir-driven McLaren Vale Shiraz that highlights vineyard character and vintage nuance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Lioness 2023 a full-bodied Shiraz?
A, It sits between medium and full-bodied, offering structure and depth without excessive weight, thanks to the cooler 2023 vintage conditions.
Q. What makes McLaren Vale Shiraz special?
A. McLaren Vale combines Mediterranean climate influences with diverse geology, producing Shiraz wines known for richness, spice, and texture, balanced by natural freshness.
Q. Should I decant this wine?
A. Yes. Decanting for 45–60 minutes enhances aromatic lift and softens the tannin structure.
Q. Is this wine suitable for ageing?
A. Absolutely. It has the balance and structure to evolve gracefully for up to a decade or more.
Discover Award-Winning Australian Wines from Dandelion Vineyards
Dandelion Vineyards is a boutique Australian winery led by acclaimed winemaker Elena Brooks and her husband Zar Brooks. Their handcrafted wines reflect the character of some of South Australia's most iconic wine regions, including the Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Born and raised in Bulgaria, Elena Brooks grew up surrounded by winemaking. At just 12 years old, she began interpreting wine tastings for international winemakers visiting her mother's winery. By the age of 16, she had crafted her first wine. Her global winemaking journey eventually led her to McLaren Vale, where she co-founded Dandelion Vineyards with a focus on minimal intervention and expressive vineyard-driven wines.
The wines of Dandelion Vineyards are made from old-vine fruit and showcase a pure sense of place. Wine critic Nick Stock described Elena's approach as "remarkably simple," capturing the essence of what he calls the "blessed curve", a sweep of premium wine country stretching from the Barossa Valley to the Adelaide Hills and down into McLaren Vale.
