Dandelion Vineyards, `Lion's Tooth of McLaren Vale` Shiraz/Riesling 2021
Product Information
Country Australia
Region McLaren Vale
Grape Variety Shiraz, Riesling
Vintage 2021
ABV 13.8%
A Unique McLaren Vale Shiraz with a Riesling Twist
Dandelion Vineyards Lion’s Tooth of McLaren Vale Shiraz Riesling 2021 is one of Australia’s most intriguing modern red wines. Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Elena Brooks, this small-batch McLaren Vale wine combines 95% Shiraz with a delicate touch of Riesling to create a vibrant, aromatic, and beautifully balanced red.
If you are looking to buy premium Australian Shiraz online in the UK, this 2021 vintage offers exceptional value and individuality. Unlike traditional McLaren Vale Shiraz wines, Lion’s Tooth gains freshness, perfume, and minerality from co-fermentation with Riesling skins, an old-world inspired technique rarely seen in modern Australian winemaking.
The result is a wine bursting with dark berry fruit, floral lift, spice, and savoury complexity while retaining the richness expected from top-quality McLaren Vale fruit.
2021 Vintage Overview: Why This Release Stands Out
The 2021 growing season in McLaren Vale delivered near-ideal conditions, producing wines with outstanding concentration, freshness, and structure. Warm days and cool evenings allowed the Shiraz grapes to ripen evenly while preserving natural acidity and aromatic precision.
Compared to warmer previous vintages, the 2021 Lion’s Tooth displays greater elegance and definition. The Riesling component is especially expressive in this release, adding lifted floral notes and a mineral edge that make this vintage more refined and food-friendly than many richer Australian Shiraz wines.
Hand-harvested grapes were whole-bunch fermented over Riesling skins before ageing for 18 months in French oak barriques. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, the wine retains purity, texture, and a true sense of terroir.
Tasting Notes for Dandelion Vineyards Lion’s Tooth 2021
Appearance: Deep crimson red with youthful violet highlights.
Nose: Expressive aromas of blackberry, plum, blueberry, cracked black pepper, rose petals, and subtle white chocolate emerge from the glass. Riesling adds a lifted floral perfume and delicate mineral freshness.
Palate: Silky yet structured, the palate delivers layers of dark cherries, blackberries, cocoa, savoury herbs, and exotic spice. Fine tannins and bright acidity create balance and length, while the Riesling influence adds elegance and aromatic complexity uncommon in traditional Shiraz.
Finish: Long, smooth, and savoury with lingering spice, juicy acidity, and refined oak integration.
Wine Critic Reviews & Scores
Wine critic Tom Cannavan awarded the 2021 vintage 90 points, praising its “kirsch-like lift and floral touch to creamy black fruit” alongside its “long, refined finish with moderate tannins and juicy acidity.”
Online wine communities have also highlighted the wine’s unusual and memorable personality, particularly its combination of savoury Shiraz depth and lifted Riesling aromatics.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Dandelion Vineyards Lion’s Tooth 2021 pairs beautifully with rich and savoury dishes, including:
• Chargrilled ribeye steak
• Slow-cooked lamb shoulder
• BBQ beef brisket
• Wild mushroom risotto
• Mature cheddar and hard cheeses
• Smoky aubergine dishes
Its freshness and aromatic lift also make it more versatile with food than heavier Shiraz styles.
Why Buy Dandelion Vineyards Lion’s Tooth 2021?
Wine lovers searching for boutique Australian wines online will appreciate the individuality of this release. The combination of old-vine McLaren Vale Shiraz and aromatic Riesling creates a wine that stands apart from standard Australian reds.
Reasons to buy this wine include:
• Award-winning Australian winemaking
• Unique Shiraz Riesling co-fermentation
• Excellent value premium McLaren Vale wine
• Limited-production boutique release
• Perfect for collectors and adventurous wine drinkers
• Ideal for drinking now or cellaring over the next 5–8 years
For fans of Rhône-style Shiraz Viognier blends, Lion’s Tooth offers a distinctly Australian interpretation with more minerality and savoury finesse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does Riesling add to Shiraz?
A. Riesling adds floral aromatics, freshness, acidity, and minerality, helping balance the richness and spice of Shiraz.
Q. Is Dandelion Vineyards Lion’s Tooth suitable for ageing?
A. Yes. The 2021 vintage has enough structure and acidity to age gracefully for up to 8 years under proper cellar conditions.
Q. What temperature should this wine be served at?
A. Serve slightly below room temperature at around 16–18°C for optimal balance and aroma.
Q. Where is McLaren Vale?
A. McLaren Vale is one of Australia’s most prestigious wine regions, internationally recognised for premium Shiraz production.
