Dandelion Vineyards GSM Menagerie of the Barossa 2019

Medium-red and bright; Grenache's luster well on show. Grenache on show aromatically; very grown-up grenache thanks to the shiraz and mataro components which bring a more rustic and savory perfume. Plums, earth, rose petals crushed in the hand - heightened. Wafts of red jube lollies, soy, bay leaves... both ends of the aromatic spectrum are here - from fresh flowers to port. There is tension immediately, a clean and long red wine, rounded and rolling tannins taking over the mid to back palate This is NOT a lumpish red wine: there is generosity and oomph, but no heavy-handedness. The complexity of aroma with the dipping and diving fruit flavor of red berry compote, green herbs, spice, pepper and fine shavings of dark chocolate make for a playful seriousness.

This red blended wine with such a long- standing mixed pedigree that it makes you believe in both the Grand Design and the Means of Natural Selection. This suits charcoal grilled chicken marinated in too much black pepper, or a powerful and long-cooked ratatouille.