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Clay and Margarita Shannon have been working with Lake County fruit for over two decades, so they understand the area’s potential for producing great wine. The wines they release under their Shannon Ridge labels are made from sustainability farmed fruit, and since every bottle is priced under $30, they’re some fine values, too. Recently, our tasting panel sat down to sample a selection of their current releases. Here’s what they thought:

Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard  2012 Two Bud Zinfandel

Shannon Ridge 2012 “Two Bud Block” Zinfandel

Grape(s): 85% Zinfandel & 15% Petite Sirah

Region: Lake County, Ca

Price: 25-30

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of plums, raspberries, and cherries mingle with nuances of sweet spice and vanilla bean on the nose. Flavors of plum, cherry, and bramble fruit come together with traces of vanilla, clove, and cocoa on the palate. Dark fruit and soft tannins make this wine a fine companion for BBQ chicken. 1,500 cases produced.

Rating: 89

Vigilance 2014 Chardonnay

Vigilance 2014 Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Lake County, Ca

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of pear, pineapple, toasty vanilla, and sweet spice rises up from a glass. The palate showcases flavors of tart pineapple, crisp pear, and sweet honeydew, alongside accents of vanilla and oak. A bit of creaminess is balanced nicely by a welcoming acidity, making it a fine choice for your next dinner party. 7,000 cases were made.

Rating: 89

Vigilance 2014 Sauvignon Blanc

Vigilance 2014 Sauvignon Blanc

Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Lake County, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of grapefruits, limes, and honeydew melons come together with hints of grass and minerals on the nose. With a sip, flavors of citrus fruit, melon, and tart apple move into grassy and minerally whispers. The crisp acidity is in harmony with ample bright fruit making it a fine aperitif. 6,500 cases produced.

Rating: 87

High Valley 2014 CS Rose'

High Valley 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé

Grape(s): 85% Cabernet Sauvignon & 15% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Lake County, Ca

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

Raspberry, strawberry, and pomegranate aromas meld interweave with citrus highlights on the nose. Cranberry, raspberry, and bing cherry flavors emerge on the palate among allusions of tangerine and honey. A lush, mouthfilling Rosé with a welcoming acidity, it would be an ideal companion for a mixed green salad topped with grilled chicken and a raspberry vinaigrette. 2,300 cases were made.

Rating: 88

High Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

High Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Lake County, Ca

Price: 25-30

Tasting Notes:

Fragrances of blackberries, currants, black cherries and thyme greet the senses. The palate reveals flavors of bramble fruit, cherry, and black currant that unfold into suggestions of minerals, toasty oak, and herbs. With lots of black fruit and cocoa tannins, this wine calls for a juicy rib-eye steak. 4,000 cases produced.

Rating: 89

Shannon Ridge 2013 Wrangler Red

Shannon Ridge 2013 “Wrangler Red” Blend

Grape(s): 44% Zinfandel 43% Syrah, 11% Petite Sirah, & 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Lake County, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

The nose offers aromas of blackberries, plums, and black cherries accented by hints of leather and spice. Flavors of bramble fruit, cherry, and plum come together with elements of leather, cocoa, and clove on the palate. A hearty red with supple tannins, go with the cowboy theme and have a glass with a buffalo burger. 12,127 cases were made.

Rating: 88