2017 Dandelion Vineyards Lioness of McLaren Vale Shiraz

Plastered with gold medals and other awards the 2017 Lioness of McLaren Vale Shiraz is sourced from Angus and Helen Tuck's vineyard located in the McLaren Vale subregion of Bakers Gully. Maturation took place in a mix of French and American oak barriques of which 20% was new for a period of 18 months.

Texturally plush, powerful and sumptuous this is a marvellous $20 McLaren Vale Shiraz.

Midnight black core with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Pronounced aniseed top notes sail out the glass trailed by dark plum, hints of black cherry, smoky vanillin cedar, fennel and spicy pepper aromatics. Rich liquorice, blackberry and dark plum fruits flow aplenty across the full bodied palate that is both very concentrated and texturally plush. Elements of fennel, vanillin oak, subtle scorched earth and pepper are also present. Smooth, velvet like tannins have a sturdy underbelly, the finish long powerful and sumptuous.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
Hand-picked, crushed to open fermenters, 12 days on skins, 18 months maturation in French and American oak, largely used. Deep crimson-purple; full-bodied, but not the least oppressive, letting all things McLaren Vale free to express themselves. Blackberry, black cherry and bitter chocolate are wrapped in a gauze veil of ripe tannins. Drink by 2032.
95 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion