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%
Discover the bold elegance of Dandelion Vineyards Lion's Tooth Shiraz/Riesling 2021, a unique co-fermented red wine from the heart of McLaren Vale, South Australia. Crafted by award-winning winemaker Elena Brooks, this small-batch blend artfully combines Shiraz’s rich, spicy depth with the aromatic lift and minerality of Riesling, a forgotten pairing brought back to life.
Vineyard & Terroir
Grown on sustainable vineyards with sandy loam and Pirramimma sandstone soils, the vines are tended using natural methods, encouraging dandelion growth to control weeds and enrich the soil. The 2021 vintage was exceptional across McLaren Vale, producing high-quality fruit and above-average yields thanks to ideal growing conditions.
Winemaking Process
The Shiraz grapes were hand-harvested and whole-bunch fermented, layered over Riesling skins in open fermenters. After 11 days of careful hand plunging, the wine was gently pressed into seasoned and a few new French oak barriques, where it matured for 18 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, this wine expresses pure vineyard character.
Tasting Notes
Deep red with violet hues, this wine opens with plum, spice, and blueberry notes, balanced by Riesling’s floral lift and minerality. Subtle hints of white chocolate and herbs develop on the nose, leading to a smooth, savoury palate and a long, elegant finish.
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.
Explore The Range:
Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz – A rich, fruit-forward Shiraz crafted from century-old vines in the Barossa Valley. A quintessential expression of the region.
Lion’s Tooth of McLaren Vale Shiraz Riesling – A vibrant and unique red blend featuring a splash of Riesling for freshness and lift.
Pride of the Fleurieu Cabernet Sauvignon – Bursting with dark berry fruit and elegant structure, this wine showcases the potential of Cabernet from this underrated coastal region.
Whether you are seeking premium Barossa Shiraz, elegant McLaren Vale reds, or unique small-batch Australian wines, Dandelion Vineyards offers a range of expressive, terroir-driven wines that deliver exceptional value and quality.
