In 1995, Clay Shannon discovered a magnificent piece of property in the hills overlooking Clear Lake in Lake County, thirty-five miles north of Napa’s famed vineyards. He quickly set out to develop vineyards, Clay’s vision was simple: "We wanted to grow the best fruit in the world,” says Clay, “but we wanted to do it in a way that made us happy living there... The landscape is rugged and wild, and so are our neighbors – we’re surrounded by wildlife. We’ve got ducks, geese, deer, raccoons, quail, golden eagles, bald eagles, wild turkey, chipmunks and bobcats that visit us regularly. We are also visited commonly by bears, mountain lions and elk."
Shannon Ridge is passionate about preserving their land, not only for great vineyard sites, but for the wild creatures which share the property. Their sustainability practices integrate a flock of sheep that clean the vineyards, remove the excess canopy, and reduce the need for chemicals, while providing natural fertilizer. “Sustainability wasn’t some philosophical concept;" says Clay, "it is the way we live our lives.”
All of October is dedicated to Shannon Ridge! This is review #3 of 8, and you can read all of the reviews I've done so far by clicking here.
Vigilance wines are crafted from fruit harvested on their 250 acre Rolling Knolls Vineyard in the volcanic soils of Red Hills AVA. The 2015 Cimarron is a blend of 52% Syrah, 26% Grenache, 15% Mourvédre, 5% Petit Sirah, and 2% Petit Verdot. Like the Chardonnay, I do not have much info on the winemaking. But I do know that it was aged in French and American oak for twelve months, has a 13.9% ABV, and will run you about $14.
The wine is crimson in color. There's classic GSM/SGM aromas of violets, plums, strawberries, and black pepper, along with vanilla and sweet tobacco. On the palate it's medium to full bodied with a bright acidity and soft tannin. There's flavors of raspberries, strawberries, red apple, dried herbs, and baking spices. Then it finishes silky smooth with raspberry sauce, strawberry sauce, and caramel. It's just a beautiful finish and my favorite part of the wine.
This is a Rhone Ranger that has the fruit and earth that you would expect it to, but has a combination of a big body and smooth mouthfeel to make it an easy-going, relaxed, don't-take-it-too-seriously entertainer. Give it a slight chill and have a glass while you're flipping burgers or steaks on the grill. Just pop the cork and let it mellow you out.
One criticism: The label is in desperate need of a design change.
Shannon Ridge is passionate about preserving their land, not only for great vineyard sites, but for the wild creatures which share the property. Their sustainability practices integrate a flock of sheep that clean the vineyards, remove the excess canopy, and reduce the need for chemicals, while providing natural fertilizer. “Sustainability wasn’t some philosophical concept;" says Clay, "it is the way we live our lives.”
All of October is dedicated to Shannon Ridge! This is review #3 of 8, and you can read all of the reviews I've done so far by clicking here.
Vigilance wines are crafted from fruit harvested on their 250 acre Rolling Knolls Vineyard in the volcanic soils of Red Hills AVA. The 2015 Cimarron is a blend of 52% Syrah, 26% Grenache, 15% Mourvédre, 5% Petit Sirah, and 2% Petit Verdot. Like the Chardonnay, I do not have much info on the winemaking. But I do know that it was aged in French and American oak for twelve months, has a 13.9% ABV, and will run you about $14.
The wine is crimson in color. There's classic GSM/SGM aromas of violets, plums, strawberries, and black pepper, along with vanilla and sweet tobacco. On the palate it's medium to full bodied with a bright acidity and soft tannin. There's flavors of raspberries, strawberries, red apple, dried herbs, and baking spices. Then it finishes silky smooth with raspberry sauce, strawberry sauce, and caramel. It's just a beautiful finish and my favorite part of the wine.
This is a Rhone Ranger that has the fruit and earth that you would expect it to, but has a combination of a big body and smooth mouthfeel to make it an easy-going, relaxed, don't-take-it-too-seriously entertainer. Give it a slight chill and have a glass while you're flipping burgers or steaks on the grill. Just pop the cork and let it mellow you out.
One criticism: The label is in desperate need of a design change.
QUALITY VS PRICE RATING
Price: $14
Rating: 4/5 = Recommended (what does that mean?)
The bottle used was supplied free of charge by Trio Wine Company for the purpose of this unpaid review. To have your wine reviewed follow this link.
The bottle used was supplied free of charge by Trio Wine Company for the purpose of this unpaid review. To have your wine reviewed follow this link.
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