Lionheart delivers everything you'd expect from Barossa Shiraz: bold, rich, and unapologetically generous. Dark fruits, chocolate, and warming spices make this the ultimate winter wine. Dandelion's commitment to old vines and low intervention produces a wine with both power and soul.
Classic Barossa depth—nearly impenetrable colour showing the concentration and warmth of this famous region. The purple rim suggests youthful vitality.
Unapologetically Barossa. Waves of blackberry and dark plum, with that signature Shiraz blue-fruit note—almost like blueberry pie. Dark chocolate and mocha weave through from oak ageing. The Australian character shows in the minty-eucalyptus lift—from nearby gum trees rather than the wine itself. Underlying vanilla and warm baking spices. A hint of liquorice and pepper adds complexity. Generous, hedonistic, and instantly recognisable.
Intensity: Pronounced | Condition: Clean, ripe
Flavours: Dark berries, chocolate, plum, vanilla, mocha, liquorice, hint of mint
Finish: Long, plush finish with persistent chocolate and dark fruit
Quality: Very Good — classic Barossa generosity
The Barossa Valley is Australia's most famous wine region, home to some of the world's oldest Shiraz vines. The valley floor provides warmth and generosity, while surrounding Eden Valley hillsides add complexity. Ancient vines, some over 150 years old, produce intensely concentrated fruit.
Barossa soils are ancient and varied. The red-brown earths provide moderate fertility and excellent drainage. Limestone subsoil adds mineral complexity and pH balance. Sandy patches drain quickly, stressing vines and concentrating flavours. The diversity allows for site-specific expression within the broader Barossa character.
Diurnal Range: 15-20°C during growing season
Traditional Barossa winemaking with modern refinements
Sourced from multiple vineyard parcels, including old vines. Fermentation in open-top fermenters with regular plunging. Extended maceration for colour and tannin extraction. Matured in a combination of French and American oak barrels (varying age). American oak contributes the chocolate and vanilla notes typical of Barossa Shiraz.
Celebrating Barossa heritage while making wines of elegance as well as power
Founded: 2007
Dandelion Vineyards was founded by Elena Brooks (Chief Winemaker) and Zar Brooks, with a focus on sourcing exceptional fruit from old vineyards across South Australia. The name reflects their philosophy: like dandelion seeds carried on the wind, great wine comes from many places. They work with over 20 small, often old-vine growers across Barossa, McLaren Vale, Eden Valley, Adelaide Hills, and Langhorne Creek.
Winemaker: Elena Brooks (one of Australia's most awarded winemakers)
Dandelion believes in "wines of distinction from vineyards of character." They form long-term relationships with growers, often farming organically or sustainably. Elena's winemaking is minimal-intervention, allowing fruit and site character to shine. The focus on old vines—often 50-150+ years old—ensures depth and complexity.