McLaren Vale Shiraz with Real Grip and Structure

The 2023 Dandelion Lioness of McLaren Vale Shiraz is a more structured take on the region — still rich and full of flavour, but with real grip and energy. This isn't soft or jammy. It's firmer, more focused, and built around structure as much as fruit.

My Wine Man on Dandelion Vineyards

Dandelion Vineyards is one of McLaren Vale's most exciting producers, drawing fruit from old-vine sites across the region. The Lioness is their flagship Shiraz — a wine built for the table, for someone who wants presence and backbone in their glass, not just richness. If you prefer bold reds that feel controlled rather than soft, this is a strong fit.

Tasting Notes

Dark plum, black cherry, and spice on the nose with a subtle savoury edge that adds real complexity. The palate is full-bodied with firm, slightly grippy tannins that give the wine drive and shape, while fresh acidity keeps everything lifted and balanced. That combination of richness and structure is what sets it apart from softer Shiraz styles.

Style & Drinking Window

Full-bodied with dark fruit, spice, and a savoury edge. Drinking well now with food, and will soften and integrate nicely over the next 3–5 years. Decant for 30–45 minutes to open up the aromatics.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$219, the Lioness delivers bold McLaren Vale flavour with enough grip and balance to keep it interesting from start to finish. It's a more serious style of Shiraz that works especially well with food — red meat, slow-cooked dishes, aged hard cheese. Old-vine provenance and a producer with a strong track record in the region.

Looking for a Different Style?

Explore more McLaren Vale and Australian Shiraz:

• 2022 Woodstock Deep Sands Shiraz — lighter, fresher McLaren Vale style from Blewitt Springs sandy soils
• 2022 Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz — step up in richness and weight from the same region
• 2018 Mr Riggs JFR McLaren Vale Shiraz — premium single-vineyard McLaren Vale, a serious step-up

Life's too short for bad wine.