2020 Dandelion Vineyards 'Pride of the Fleurieu' Cabernet Sauvignon

“I have great affection for cabernet from the Fleurieu, with its bold flavours and inimitable maritime salinity, the latter marking the tannins while placing the wines. Here we have a cornucopia of blackcurrant, menthol, pastille, iodine, violet, olive spread and sage. The tannins, firm, salty and crusted with herb. The barriques, seamlessly integrated and part of the mould. A moreish, powerful and delicious wine.” – 93 Points, James Halliday (Halliday Wine Companion)

“From the ‘war and peace’ label on the back of the bottle of the 2020 Pride of the Fleurieu Peninsula Cabernet Sauvignon: the fruit was picked in the third week of March 2020 (and we all remember what was happening at that time), by friends and family. It spent 14 days on skins and was basket pressed to a combination of new and seasoned French oak barriques for 18 months’ maturation. This is lovely. Very sweet fruit vibrates within the confines of savory tannins that shape the experience in the mouth. This flavor flows across the palate and through the long finish. Lovely wine, here! 14.5% alcohol, sealed under Stelvin…” – 93 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Dandelion Vineyards is the brainchild of Elena Brooks and her husband Zar. Elena grew up in Bulgaria at a time when the end of Communism meant renewed interest in her native country’s wines outside of Eastern Europe. Many of the tourists who visited her family farm came from Australia, which combined with her English-speaking abilities led to a winemaking career before she was even done with high school.  

Since settling in the famed McLaren Vale wine region, Elena has taken a youthful approach to old vines throughout southeast Australia. Dandelion Vineyards is a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and approaches certification, a difficult yet worthy task that ensures environmentally friendly viticulture that gives back to the land. Some of her wines, like the 2020 Cab, are even organic! Considered one of the best wineries in Australia, James Halliday named Dandelion Vineyards a Five Red Star Winery.