A menagerie is a “strange or diverse collection of things or people.” Not so strange to have Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro grown in the Barossa to be blended together, and in this case come from adjoining vineyard blocks in the historic hamlet sub region of Seppeltsfield and matured in old French oak. From the talented hands of Elena and Zar Brooks. 

Dandelion Vineyards, Menagerie of the Barossa, GSM, Barossa, 2019

Usual suspects: big hits of milky coffee and plum sauce, deep raspberry with a leafy Mataro lilt, woody spice and anise. Steps lightly and serves it up fresh. Fruit is at the forefront but the body is given gravitas with firm, drying tannins. Made without pretension and ready for enjoyment, but the structure is there if you must squirrel it away (but you’d be nuts to!)

RRP: $30
Alc: 14.5%
Rating:18.25/20 (93/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Dandelion Vineyards