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NOTES
Dandelion Vineyards are proven plantings that have stood the test of time. Our wish is to nurture the unique character of these vineyards and express their terroir in our wines. To capture variety, vintage and vineyard requires and enlightened approach. “When I see a weed I see the Devil” is an old grower’s mantra, but we encourage the humble Dandelion amongst the vines as they suppress winter weeds, provide mulch in summer, and their Wishing Clocks to blow off in Spring.
Dandelion Vineyards is a unique fusion of vineyards and vignerons. Our wines represent decades of experience, blending the fruit of our heirloom vineyards with the finest traditions of artisan winemaking. The Lionheart of Dandelion Vineyards is our old vine Barossa vineyard. From these 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.
TASTING NOTES
Whole bunches from our oldest Riesling vineyard, 98 years in 2009, in the heart of Dandelion Vineyard’s Wonderland the Eden Valley were hand selected and picked on the Friday the 13th March, in the cool of early morning before sunrise then destemmed in small batches without crushing the fruit to fill our press exactly. The free run juice was then fermented in small stainless steel tanks between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius. This Wonderland of the Eden Valley has a high level of natural acidity, (7.6 grams per litre) a pH of 3.17 and although bone dry and alcohol of only 12.5%.
Pristine pale straw with almost fluorescent green tinges; bursting fruit freshness, with invigorating, intense smells of lime skin, citrus blossom, green apple, ripe guavas and cinnamon spice. Opens with crisp and crunchy fruit flavours lime sorbet, stone-fruit , including apricot as well as classic mandarin citrus on the mid palate, developing into rich lemon meringue tart-like flavour but still with a refreshing steely minerality, balanced with racy, slate-like acidity.
Drink either immediately as an aperitif, or with almost any dish from spring salads to seriously spicy curries. With bottle age, the Wonderland of Eden Valley will open with more toast /custard aromas and flavours, softer fruits so then will be well paired with classic dishes such as soufflés and any cooked seafood.
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