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
The word Dandelion, from Dente de Lion means Lion’s Tooth, and from this vineyard we co-ferment an almost forgotten but timeless blend of Shiraz and Riesling to enhance the wines perfume and palate. On the 3rd of March whole bunches of flavour ripe Shiraz were hand harvested, then gently crushed and naturally fermented in open fermenters on top of some Riesling skins for seven days, hand plunged twice a day, before careful basket pressing into new (15%) and older French Oak Barriques to finish fermentation. After 12 months maturation and a racking in the same oak, we bottled 1012 dozen only 2007 Lion’s Tooth without filtration or fining, to capture the essence of the vineyard. Dandelion Vineyard’s Lion’s Tooth is ready to drink and will reward cellaring and decanting.
Deep red with hints of violet on the edges, indicating youth Intriguing rose petals and a summer pudding of lifted red fruits, berries and a little lime marmalade from the co-fermentation with the aromatic Eden Valley Riesling. Wild cherries, blueberries, and mulberries and an impressive stucture balanced by spicy oak. Opulent, intense red berries balanced by soft velvety tannins and supple oak, resulting in an intriguing finish derived from the unique, enlightened co-ferment.
Perfect partner for the casual lunch in relaxed settings. due to the co-fermentation with Riesling skins, the wine is suitable to a wide range of food, from the freshly caught seafood to a rich pasta dish and red meat in spring herbs.
