Since it’s the queen of the jungle that does all the hunting work while the male lion just lays around, this is an aptly named powerhouse of a wine. The nose pounces with full throttle black cherry, blueberry and spice, and the attack continues on the palate, where menthol and tarry notes help finish the kill. You’ll agree, it’s a good death, and you can resurrect and play again with each glass. A Platinum Award winner at the 2019 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition.
Dandelion Vineyards, Barossa (Australia) Shiraz 2016
By Rich Cook