Dandelion Vineyards defies normal description, it is perhaps Australia’s most quixotic fusion of vineyard and vigneron. Every bottle signs off with “Wish you were here...” Every wine is sourced from a single site. Founder, owner, winemaker - Elena Brooks - is a polymath and perfectionist on a lifelong vinous treasure hunt, following the inspiration of the Dandelion Flower’s Wishing Clock.

At the end of our old vine garden path there is a historic Menagerie of three grape varieties, adjoining blocks of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro at Gomersal in the Barossa. 

The name comes from a patch of vines in their Gomersal vineyard – their menagerie – of three blocks, Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro, a field blend. A whole bunch ferment, the wine spent a year maturing in old French oak barriques. Blood red/crimson in colour, the nose offers notes of spices galore, aniseed, raspberries, cinnamon, herbs and red fruits. A wine of medium weight and supple texture, there is a hint of the hedonistic here. The wine has excellent length, silky tannins and good force throughout. This will drink well over the next six to eight years, likely longer. Date: Dec 2024; Drink: Now–2032; Rating: 93 Points; The Vintage Journal

A bright, perfumed grenache, shiraz and mataro blend from a vineyard on Seppeltsfield Road in the Barossa Valley. There's a raspberry edge to the fruit this year. Under that you'll find satsuma plum, blueberry and boysenberry with layers of spice and hints of biltong, dried citrus rind, citrus blossom, gingerbread, char siu and warm earth. Medium bodied with a savoury lean to the pure, ripe fruits, plenty of spice, fine, sandy tannins and abundant energy and zip. Date: Feb 2025; Alcohol: 14%; Price: $30.00; Drink by: 2042; Rating: 94 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion