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Dandelion Vineyards Lioness Shiraz 2014 Wine Review

Dandelion Vineyards Lioness Shiraz 2014

Dandelion Vineyards Lioness Shiraz 2014

Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia

Community Score:90/100

Community Reviews: 9

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Price: $21.95

Drink: 2016-2019

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 14%

Sweetness: Extra Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine


Winery: Dandelion Vineyards

Agent: Du Chasse Wines & Spirits

Natalie's Score: 92/100

This single vineyard Australian red wine is made form the Shiraz grape. These winemakers see the devil in the weeds, allowing dandelions to grow among the vine grows as they suppress other weeds and provide nutritious mulch. The "wishing clocks" of white seed in the spring provide new life. The Shiraz grapes are sourced form a single vineyard in the foothills of the McLaren Vale. The vines are planted in ironstone pebble laden with clay loam, over ancient Kurrajong Formation geology of silica cemented conglomerate ideally suited to grow Shiraz. Bunches are hand picked in mid-March and fermented together in open top fermenters with ambient yeast and hand plunging for 12 days before basket pressing and aging in mostly French oak barriques before bottling without fining. Full-bodied, robust and rustic with full-throttle black fruit, smoke, oak and spice aromas. Polished tannins and a long finish. Decant 1 hour and pair with rare steak.

Shiraz food pairings: game meats, rare roast beef, spice-braised lamb, cheddar, grilled pork chops.

Best Beef Wine

This Dandelion Vineyards Lioness Shiraz 2014 was reviewed on January 26, 2017 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2020  2019  2018  2017  2016 

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Pricing & Stock Information

Reviews and Ratings

Jane Staples - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

From Mclaren Vale in South Australia, an aromatic Shiraz made from hand-picked grapes(ie, no twigs or mice in the vino!). Fragrant ripe dark cherries, plums, blackberries, with spice too, on the palate. Velvety mouthfeel and elegant finish. This Shiraz has won numerous awards and it's easy to see why. Pair with game or a rare steak.
Tasted Oct. 2016 and Feb. 2017
Bill Wright Sommelier rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Fills the nose. Smoke, fruit, cherries and dark fruits.
Tart spicy finish that just keeps giving
Jan 15/17
Cherie Cole rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

This Shiraz from South Australia exudes layers of black plum, cherry preserves, leather and vanilla. Full-bodied with velvety tannins and a long finish. Tasted January 15, 2017.
Andrew Bernardo rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

This wine toys with you, very light and airy on the nose with beautiful red and black fruit, then overtaken by more brooding flavours of black briar and spice. The fruit almost seems candied. 91 Points. (www.ottawawinejournal.com)
Gwen Barton rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Big, juicy Aussie Shiraz. Generous nose of jammy dark red fruit, smoke and tobacco. Robust flavours of plum, dark cherry, blackberry with some cinnamon and other sweet spices. Pair with anything on the Barbie- of course!
Jennifer Havers - WSET Level 3 rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

Warm, spicy notes on the nose, along with red berry, blackberry and a hint of smoke. Smooth, with nice body, and rounded, yet balanced fruit. Medium+ finish. Try this with steak and enjoy.
Sharon Lécuyer rated this wine as 86/100 with the following review:

Dark intense colour with aromas of red fruit. Medium to full-bodied on the palette with toasty oak and a strong tannin pull. Decant for several hours before consuming. Better yet, celler for a bit longer. I would pair with grilled steak and veg that would stand up to this wine. Suggest a bitter green such as asparagus or spinach salad.
The Shiraz grapes are sourced form a single vineyard in the foothills of the Australia's McLaren Vale. Winemakers allow dandelions to grow among the vines here as they suppress other weeds and provide nutritious mulch. Vines are planted in ironstone pebble laden with clay loam, over ancient Kurrajong Formation geology of silica cemented conglomerate ideally suited to grow Shiraz. - Community Wine Reviews

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