Dandelion Vineyards
Menagerie of the Barossa GSM 2020
Barossa Valley
At the end of Zar & Elena’s old vine garden path there is a historic ‘Menagerie’ of three grape varieties, adjoining blocks of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataró at Gomersal in the Barossa. These three grapes have been blended together for much longer than the first vines found their way to Australia, but the Barossa has really become a de facto new-world home for this trinity. The cool night of the Barossa really pulls back the reins on the power and intensity that comes with the hot growing days. After hand picking selected bunches of the Menagerie field blend in mid-March, Elena let the whole bunches ferment together in open top fermenters with ambient yeasts for 14 days, before basket pressing in old French oak barriques. The wine was then matured for a further 12 months in the same oak, before bottling with a gentle fining and sulfur addition, but without filtration.
Vineyard
Single site in Gomersal, 48 year old vines, red clay over limestone & ironstone
Winemaking
After hand picking selected bunches of the Menagerie field blend in mid-March, Elena let the whole bunches ferment together in open top fermenters with ambient yeasts for 14 days, before basket pressing in old French oak barriques. The wine was then matured for a further 12 months in the same oak, before bottling with a gentle fining and sulfur addition, but without filtration.
Vintage
Earth, rose petals, fresh and dried herbs; fennel and sandalwood, and – having said that – the faintest hint of older French oak bouquet. Peppercorns atop plummy, dark berry fruit flavors and cherry pith and a pastis/aniseed kick.
Tasting Note
Barossa Valley’s growing season rainfall was even lower than 2018, down 50% on average. Temperatures were cooler and drier than long-term average, and yields down 60–70%.
Color
Red
Appellation
Barossa Valley
Certifications
ORGANIC
Farming
Organic
Alcohol
14.5%
Trade Materials
