Get to know: Dandelion Vineyards, Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2022

A bold yet beautifully poised Barossa Shiraz from century-old vines.

Tasting Note

Made by the supremely talented Elena Brooks, this wine channels the strength and character of the regions ancient vineyards with wild aromatics, layered dark fruit and graceful structure. Deep purple and brooding in the glass, this Shiraz is rich with aromas of plum, rosemary, white pepper and dark chocolate. The palate is powerful but fresh, with juicy black fruits, silky tannins, and a savoury edge from French oak. Complex, elegant and built to impress. An old-vine classic with a modern soul.

Top food pairings:

• Chargrilled ribeye steak with rosemary butter
• Slow-braised lamb shoulder with garlic and thyme
• Roasted aubergine with miso and sesame

Kate Says

“Barossa Shiraz is famed for power, but this shows restraint too – rich in dark fruit and spice, with bright acidity and fine tannins shaped by old vines and skilled hands.”

Producer Info

Dandelion Vineyards is the passion project of Bulgarian-born winemaker Elena Brooks and her husband Zar. Together, they source fruit from some of South Australia’s oldest and most treasured vineyard sites, including Barossa, Eden Valley, McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills. Elena’s approach combines minimal intervention with deep respect for site and season – resulting in wines of expressive character, purity and elegance.

How its made:

• Fruit from Shiraz vines over 100 years old, grown on their own roots at 221m elevation
• Hand-harvested whole bunches, gently crushed
• Wild yeast fermentation in open-top fermenters over 8 days, with hand plunging
• Basket-pressed to French oak barriques (mostly older) to finish fermentation
• 18 months of maturation in oak before bottling

Good to know:

• Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
• Style: Full-bodied red wine
• ABV: 14.5%
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vegan: Yes

Why we love it:

This is classic Barossa with brains – rich and generous, but lifted by natural acidity and Elena Brooks brilliant touch. A superb example of heritage vines given new life.