2012 Dandelion Vineyards Lioness of McLaren Vale Shiraz

Trophy Winner at the International Wine Challenge

Matured in predominately older French oak barriques for 18 months this wine displays a magnificent saturated inky black core that’s totally impenetrable with a very deep black crimson hue. Pronounced aromas of pure ripe blackberries, liquorice and dark chocolate exude from the glass followed by scents of vanillin cedar and spice. Full bodied, the palate is flooded with rich opulently textured flavours of ripe blackberries, liquorice, dark chocolate and dark plum over a backdrop of vanillin cedar, light earth and spice. Supple rounded mouthfeel with velvet smooth tannins. Excellent power finishing very long with an aftertaste of ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, liquorice, dark plums and spicy earth. Limited Stocks.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc 14%

Other Reviews…
Hand-picked and whole bunch-fermented in open pots, hand-plunged for 12 days; spent 2 years in French oak (80% used, 20% new). Dense, yet vivid, crimson-purple; the powerful full-bodied palate is stacked full of layers of black fruits, licorice and dark chocolate, the tannins ripe and balanced, sustaining the long finish. A cellar special. Drink by 2032.
95 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion