THE HERITAGE CLUB - DECEMBER 2019
This month we have selected two incredible bottles - perfect for stuffing your stockings, or sharing at a Christmas festivity - Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, the most noble of all varietals, are beloved for their intensity and robust flavor. However, most scoff at their increasingly lofty price. So where to turn for delicious, well made, yet affordable Cab? North of Napa, east of the ocean breezes from the Pacific, are the up and coming AVA’s from Lake County. This month we dive into a pair of wines from “Vigilance”, by Shannon Ridge, highlighting why Lake County should be at the top of your “Nice” list.
“Vigilance” Chardonnay 2018
Region: California, Lake County, Red Hills AVA
Grape Varietal(s): Chardonnay
Viticulture: Planted at a level of 1,400 feet to 3,000 feet for a range of intensity and structure, with roots in volcanic soil
Method: 20% barrel aged for 6 months in French Oak, 80% aged in stainless steel
Serving suggestions: Serve chilled, in a Burgundy glass
Age: Drink now through 2022
Tasting Notes: Ripe and rich melon, tart apple, and lemon zest, with layers of toasted oak and cream. This wine is fruitful and lush, with a crisp balance due to the elevated vineyard sites
“Vigilance” Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Region: California, Lake County, Red Hills AVA
Grape Varietal(s): Cabernet Sauvignon
Method: A gentle 24 hour cold soak, followed by aging for 15 months on a combination of French and American oak
Serving suggestions: Serve chilled, in a Burgundy glass
Age: Drink now through 2024
Tasting Notes: Lush black cherry, red currant, and plum, with layers of baking spice and chocolate. A full bodied wine, showcasing elements of red and black fruit.
About Shannon Ridge
Clay Shannon’s journey to Shannon Ridge began when he was a boy, growing up on a ranch in Sonoma County. At a young age he became the vineyard manager of a winery in St. Helena, quickly moving up the ranks to oversee the sourcing of additional fruit from vineyards throughout Napa Valley. An innate entrepreneur, he sought after starting his own vineyard management company, and discovered the perfect sight for new vineyards in 1995. Thirty-five miles north of Napa, the hills overlooking Clear Lake provide a uniquely cool microclimate on the rugged volcanic soil of Mount Konocti. His original purchase of 80 acres in Lake County has now surpassed 1000 acres for his own brand of wines, and Clay currently manages an additional 3000 acres throughout Lake County, Napa, and Sacramento Valley.
About “Vigilance”
The fruit for the “Vigilance” label is sourced from the Rolling Knolls Vineyard of the Red Hills AVA within Lake County. The wine is crafted to express the traditional lush and fruit forward characteristics that California Cabernet and Chardonnay is often stylized. However, the higher elevation coupled with cooler temperatures produces grapes with wonderful concentration, creating wines that fail to suffer from the possible imbalance created with higher alcohol from warmer regions like Napa Valley.
Why I’m excited about these wines
If you’ve stopped by for one of my Wine 101’s, you’re bound to have caught on to my love of “bang for your buck” bottles. If not, here’s the secret to finding your next fave on a budget: Know your region, and know your grape. For instance, Oregon Pinot Noir costs considerably less than it’s brothers from Burgundy. Not only will it still soothe the soul, but it’ll leave enough cash on the table for a whole ‘nother Christmas ham. Furthermore, if you grab Carménère instead of Merlot, you’ll be astounded by the delicious flavors at a fraction of the price. I bet you won't even be able to tell the difference. “Vigilance” follows the first rule more closely, evoking the essence of California wine, while omitting the traditional price tag. With a focus on lusciousness, bold body, and emphasis on fruit, Clay Shannon demonstrates the serious potential from the vineyards of Lake County. “Vigilance” is his gift that keeps on giving. May your glass be full, your fire warm, and your wines be bright!