2024 Dandelion Vineyards Menagerie Grenache Shiraz Mataro, Barossa Valley

The strong '24 release sees a blend of 58/22/20% grenache/shiraz/mataro matured for 12 months in seasoned French oak. Bright crimson with a wave of ripe satsuma plum, red cherry and blueberry fruits with some cranberry lift and hints of Medina spice, dried citrus rind, meadow flowers, Chinese barbecue shop, turned earth, cold tea, anise and chocolate-dipped raspberries. Medium weighted with a freshness to its travel, pure, savoury fruit, fine, sandy tannins and a real easy-drinking style. Drink 2026 to 2038.

94 points Dave Brookes for Halliday wine Companion (Special Value), May 2026

Elena Brooks founded Dandelion Vineyards with a clear intent: to make wines that speak plainly of the places they come from. Born in Bulgaria and trained in oenology in Australia, she has worked vintages across Europe and South Australia before settling in McLaren Vale. Her winemaking philosophy is built around restraint — spending time in the vineyard, then stepping back in the winery.

The Menagerie of the Barossa comes from Gomersal blocks of old vine Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro. Grenache leads here, with Shiraz adding mid-palate weight and Mataro its characteristically savoury, earthy edge. A Southern Rhone original, but the Barossa cover version might be the one we prefer.

Hand-picked and whole bunch fermented together in open-top fermenters with ambient yeast, hand-plunged daily for 14 days before basket pressing to well-seasoned French oak barriques for 12 months of maturation. No fining, no filtering.

Satsuma plum, red cherry and blueberry on the nose — really perfumed, with the earthiness and pepper of Shiraz and a waft of Mataro's leafy, rose-petal fragrance adding complexity. The palate is lighter and more restrained than the Barossa's reputation might suggest: balanced and deft, with a flowing acid structure, soft tannins and a subtle, echoing fruit depth on the finish.

Barossa’s Grenache blends are great reds at the dinner table. The wine's spice, dark fruit and savoury depth are easy company with for example an eggplant tagine with couscous and preserved lemon, or a roast chicken with herbs and jus.

Drink now through 2038.