If you’re on the hunt for a rich and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon, look no further than the 2021 Fearless Fronds of Coonawarra by Dandelion Vineyards. Crafted by the skilled hands of Elena and Zar Brooks, this wine is a testament to their dedication and the exceptional terroir of Coonawarra. Aged for 14 months with 30% new oak, this offering presents a tantalizing blend of flavors, making it an ideal companion for robust dishes or an excellent candidate for further cellaring.
Accolades for a Young Winemaker with Old Vines: Dandelion Vineyards has been on a remarkable journey of success. In June 2020, a panel of esteemed judges, including sommeliers, master sommeliers, and masters of wine alumni, crowned Dandelion Vineyards as the “New World Producer of the Year 2020.” This accolade marked a historic moment, making them the first Australian vineyard to receive such recognition.
A Tale of Passion and Success: Founded in 2007 by the dynamic couple Elena and Zar Brooks, Dandelion Vineyards has swiftly become a powerhouse in the wine world. Their hard work paid off when, in 2021, they were honored with the titles of “Winery of the Year” at the Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition and “Barossa Winery of the Year” at the Melbourne Wine Competition, among numerous other awards. Dandelion attributes their success to extensive experience, old-vine vineyards, and artisanal winemaking. They consider their vineyards as family and their wines as their children, always striving to bring out the essence of each.
The Symbolism of Dandelion: The name Dandelion reflects a desire to see not a devil in every weed but to encourage dandelions among the vines. The dandelion serves a dual purpose, warding off unwanted winter weeds during the cold months and contributing to good ground cover in the summer. Additionally, they playfully suggest that the dandelion’s spherical seed heads, known as “wishing clocks,” might help fulfill the wish for a good vintage every spring.
Diverse Vineyards, Exceptional Wines: Dandelion sources grapes from various regions within South Australia, including Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Eden Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula, and McLaren Vale. Their portfolio comprises classic Australian grape varieties like Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvèdre) alongside more unique ones like Pedro-Ximénez. Exciting blends, such as Shiraz and Riesling, add to the diversity. Dandelion wines are known for their concentrated yet elegant style, featuring fresh acidity and a pronounced focus on fruit.
Winemaking Philosophy: Dandelion believes in the meticulous separation of each vineyard block in winemaking. Sometimes, they go as far as vinifying different soil types within the same vineyard separately. This meticulous approach is reflected in both their estate vineyards and the grapes they source from partner vineyards.
Tasting Notes: The concentrated aroma of this wine reveals notes of plums, blackberries, cola nuts, anise, bay leaves, and cloves. On the palate, it unfolds into a deep, full-bodied experience with well-defined tannins. Powerful yet refined, the wine strikes a perfect balance between intensity and fruit vibrancy. The finish is long, leaving behind a spicy sensation.
Aging Potential: This wine is not just for the moment; it has the potential to evolve gracefully until 2028.
Producer: Dandelion Vineyards Origin: Austtralia, Coonawarra Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Alcohol Content: 14.5% Bottle Size: 750 ml Price: 189 SEK Systembolaget art.no: 2325