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Lion’s Tooth of McLaren Vale Shiraz 2009 

Latitude 35°13’46” South
Longitude 138°33’3” East

This vintage has SOLD OUT
Lion's Tooth is a long forgotten but timeless Australian blend rejuvenated

 

 

 

 

BACKGROUND
Dandelion Vineyards are proven plantings that have stood the test of time. Our wish is to nurture the unique character of these vineyards and express their terroir in our wines. To capture variety, vintage and vineyard requires and enlightened approach. “When I see a weed I see the Devil is an old grower's mantra, but we encourage the humble Dandelion amongst the vines as they suppress winter weeds, provide mulch in summer, and their Wishing Clocks to blow off in Spring.”

Dandelion Vineyards is a unique fusion of vineyards and vignerons. Our wines represent decades of experience, blending the fruit of our heirloom vineyards with the finest traditions of artisan winemaking. The Lionheart of Dandelion Vineyards is our old vine Barossa vineyard. From these ancient, gnarled vines, many over a hundred years of age, are not only surviving but thriving on their own roots in some of the oldest soils on the planet.

WINEMAKING
Whole bunches from our most distinctive Shiraz from Nat McMurtrie's Vineyard were hand harvested on the 16th of March, then gently crushed and naturally fermented in open fermenters on top of some Riesling skins for seven days, hand plunged twice a day, before careful basket pressing into some new but predominatly older French Oak Barriques to finish fermentation.and enhance the wine's pefume and palate.

After 18 months maturation and a racking in the same oak, we bottled this Lion's Tooth without filtration or fining, to capture the essence of the vineyard.

Dandelion Vineyard's Lion's Tooth is ready to drink and will reward cellaring and decanting.

 
REVIEWS
2009 Lion's Tooth of Mclaren Vale
Score: 91 Points
Review by: Josh Raynolds , Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

2009 Lion's Tooth Of McLaren Vale
Score: 91 Points
Review by: Harvey Steiman , Wine Spectator

2009 Lion's Tooth of McLaren Vale Shiraz Riesling
Score: Exceptional
Review by: Dave McIntyre , Washington Post

Decant it for a half hour, however, and you have a rich, spicy, racy wine brimming with blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, eucalyptus and mint. Fermenting the shiraz on the pressed skins of Riesling grapes gives the wine an enticing, irresistible lure.

TASTING NOTES
Deep red with hints of violet on the edges, indicating youth. Intriguing rose petals and a summer pudding of lifted red fruits, berries and a little lime marmalade from the co-fermentation with the aromatic Eden Valley Riesling. Wild cherries, blueberries, and mulberries and an impressive stucture balanced by spicy oak. Opulent, intense red berries balanced by soft velvety tannins and supple oak, resulting in an intriguing finish derived from the unique, enlightened co-ferment.
Download PDF Tasting Notes (0.21MB)

Other Vintages
2007 |  2008 |  2010 | 

DRINK
Perfect partner for the casual lunch in relaxed settings. due to the co-fermentation with Riesling skins, the wine is suitable to a wide range of food, from the freshly caught seafood to a rich pasta dish and red meat in spring herbs.


WINEMAKER
Elena Brooks BSc (Oneology) Adelaide

SPECIFICS
Alcohol: 14.0%
TA: 7.1g/L
pH: 3.25
RS:

Latitude 35°13’46” South
Longitude 138°33’3” East



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Wish you were here. Carl Lindner & Brad Rey, Vignerons, Zar Brooks, Typist, Elena Brooks, Winemaker