January 2015
Best of Class:
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard 2013 Chardonnay
Double Gold:
Shannon Ridge High Elevation 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard 2012 "Two Bud" Zinfandel
Gold:
Dalliance 2013 Chardonnay
High Valley Vineyard 2011 Petite Sirah
Playtime 2013 "Blonde" Chardonnay
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard 2012 Barbera
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Vigilance 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Silver:
Dalliance 2012 Red Wine
Playtime 2012 Lake County Red Wine
Shannon Ridge High Elevation 2012 Petite Sirah
Shannon Ridge High Elevation 2012 Wrangler Red
Vigilance 2012 Cimarron
November 2014
Double Gold - Class Champion:
High Valley Vineyard 2012 Zinfandel
Shannon Ridge High Elevation 2013 Chardonnay
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard 2012 Barbera
Double Gold - Reserve Class Champion:
Shannon Ridge High Elevation 2012 Petite Sirah
Gold:
Shannon Ridge High Elevation 2012 Wrangler Red
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cross Springs Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cross Springs Vineyard 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Playtime 2012 Red Wine
Playtime 2013 "Blonde" Chardonnay
Silver:
Shannon Ridge High Elevation 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Shannon Ridge High Elevation 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard 2012 "Two Bud" Zinfandel
Cross Springs Vineyard 2013 Chardonnay
Cross Springs Vineyard 2011 Petite Sirah
Cross Springs Vineyard 2011 Red Wine
Cross Springs Vineyard 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
High Valley Vineyard 2012 Barbera
High Valley Vineyard 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Vigilance 2013 Chardonnay
Vigilance 2011 Cimarron
November 2014
Double Gold - Best of Class:
High Valley Vineyard 2012 Barbera
Silver:
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard 2012 "Two Bud" Zinfandel
Dalliance 2012 Red Wine
October 2014
Gold - Best California Sauvignon Blanc
Shannon Ridge High Elevation 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
August 2014
Silver - 88 pts.
Playtime "Blonde" 2013 Chardonnay
2014 Lake County Wine Awards Competition
June 2014
Gold - Best of Class:
High Valley Vineyard 2011 Petite Sirah
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2011 Barbera
Gold:
High Valley Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2013 Chardonnay
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2011 Petite Sirah
Vigilance 2011 Cimarron
Silver:
Dalliance 2011 Red Wine
High Valley Vineyard 2012 Barbera
High Valley Vineyard 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2011 "Two Bud" Zinfandel
June 2014
Gold:
High Valley Vineyard 2011 Zinfandel - 92 pts.
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon - 92 pts.
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2011 "Two Bud" Zinfandel - 92 pts.
Vigilance 2011 Petite Sirah - 91 pts.
Silver:
Dalliance 2011 Red Wine
High Valley Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Playtime 2012 Red Wine
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2012 Chardonnay
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2010 Malbec
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Vigilance 2011 Cimarron
June 2014
Best of Class of Region/Gold:
Vigilance 2012 Sauvignon Blanc
Best of Class of Region/Silver:
Dalliance 2011 Red Wine
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2011 Barbera
Silver:
High Valley Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2011 Petite Sirah
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Vigilance 2011 Cimarron
June 2014
Silver:
Cross Springs Reserve 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
High Valley Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Vigilance 2011 Cimarron
June 2014
Platinum & Best Petite Sirah
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2011 Petite Sirah - 95 pts.
Gold:
High Valley Vineyard 2011 Petite Sirah - 90 pts.
High Valley Vineyard 2011 Zinfandel - 92 pts.
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2013 Sauvignon Blanc - 93 pts.
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2011 Barbera - 90 pts.
Silver:
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2011 "Two Bud" Zinfandel - 89 pts.
Vigilance 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon - 87 pts.
Vigilance 2011 Cimarron - 88 pts
Vigilance 2012 Sauvignon Blanc - 87 pts.
June 2014
Gold:
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2011 "Two Bud" Zinfandel
Silver:
High Valley Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
High Valley Vineyard 2011 Petite Sirah
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2011 Barbera
Vigilance 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Vigilance 2011 Cimarron
Vigilance 2012 Sauvignon Blanc
May 2014
Gold & Best of Lake County:
Dalliance 2011 Red Wine
Silver:
Playtime 2012 Red Wine
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2011 Petite Sirah
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2012 Wrangler Red
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2011 "Two Bud" Zinfandel
Vigilance 2011 Cimarron
February 2014
Silver:
Dalliance 2011 Red Wine
Vigilance 2011 Cimarron
Vigilance 2011 Petite Sirah
Vigilance 2012 Sauvignon Blanc
February 2014
Gold:
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2011 Barbera - 91 pts.
Silver:
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2010 Malbec - 89 pts.
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2010 Petite Sirah - 88 pts.
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon - 89 pts.
January 2014
Double Gold:
Vigilance 2011 Cimarron
Gold:
Dalliance 2011 Red Wine
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2011 Wrangler Red
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2011 Petite Sirah
Silver:
Cross Springs 2011 Red Wine
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2012 Chardonnay
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2010 Malbec
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2010 Petite Sirah
Vigilance 2012 Chardonnay
Vigilance 2011 Petite Sirah
January 2014
Best of Class:
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2012 Sauvignon Blanc
Vigilance 2012 Chardonnay
Vigilance 2011 Cimarron
Gold:
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2011 Wrangler Red
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2011 Petite Sirah
Vigilance 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Silver:
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection 2012 Chardonnay
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2010 Malbec
Shannon Ridge Single Vineyard Collection 2010 Petite Sirah
Vigilance 2012 Sauvignon Blanc
“Powerful PETITE. Best with food. A wonderful surprise.” — Thomas Woolrych
Husband-and-wife team the Shannons grew up in California wine country (Clay in Sonoma, Margarita in Napa). They then headed north to Lake
County to rear grass-fed lamb and craft sustainably grown wines from the finest mountain fruit. Their ‘High Elevation’ Petite Sirah is an inky-dark
blockbuster. Shannon Ridge Petite Sirah 2012, Lake County
By Ellen Bhang G L O B E COR R E S PONDE NT NOVEMBER 18, 2014
Grown in mountain vineyards overlooking Clear Lake, in California’s Lake County (north of Napa and east of
Mendocino), the grapes featured in a blend from family-owned winery Shannon Ridge read like the kitchen
sink: zinfandel, syrah, petite sirah, and cabernet sauvignon. Expert hands have blended this cornucopia of
varietals into a red that is appealing, bright, and well integrated. The same family also makes a barrelfermented chardonnay under the name Vigilance that shows how oak, skillfully handled, lends softness and
complexity to the finished product. This is a lovely white to go with buttery holiday dishes.
Vigilance Chardonnay 2013 This barrel-fermented white offers fresh peach and apple aromas and a fruity,
rounded palate. Around $15. At Giles Wine & Spirits, Arlington, 781-646-3500; Bin Ends, Braintree, 781-8171212.
Shannon Ridge “Wrangler Red” 2012 Brambly berries and leafiness on the nose with juicy red fruit,
smooth tannins, and a spicy finish. A quick decant allows this red to bloom. Around $12. At Giles Wine &
Spirits; The Wine Press, Brookline, 617-277-7020.
Daily Drinker: SHANNON RIDGE Wrangler Red, Lake County, 2012
By beardalton, November 8, 2014
SHANNON RIDGE Wrangler Red, Lake County, 2012 ($12.99)
A 13.9% alcohol blend of 45% Zinfandel, 40% Syrah, 8% Petite Syrah, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 14
months in a mix of French and American oak barrels. Sensory: Red-purple in color with well formed
legs; just off dry at threshold, medium-full-bodied with balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Soft ripe
and rich but still focused with red and black fruit blended red (almost a “Paso” type blend) offering notes
of briar and dark mixed berries with black and white pepper and a bit of pie spice. Fine with a mixed grill
and better with American Italian food such as lasagna or pasta with a sweet red “Sunday gravy” (think
red-and-white-checked-table-cloth and a Chianti Fiasco with a candle in it). BearScore: 90.
Reviewed: December 2014
87
VIGILANCE Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills 2012
Comfortably ripened without going too far and possessed of a good bit of vigor, this medium-full-bodied look at Lake
County Cabernet gets good marks for richness and does a good job at tempering its tannins and slight heat with
buoyant young fruit. It could be enjoyed in a pinch now with juicy cuts of beef, but it will be that much better if left
alone and allowed to develop over the next three to five years.
89
HIGH VALLEY VINEYARD Sauvignon Blanc, High Valley 2013
Youthfully fresh aromas of pear and green melon laced with bits of citrus and grasses make a fine start, and, if its
nose is a little on the tight side at present, the wine opens somewhat in the mouth with a noticeably deeper character
even as it hues to a slightly citrusy, minerally line. It is the kind of wine that makes excellent drinking when young in
the company with shellfish and the like, yet is certain to fill out and gain a bit of richness going forward and
complement fuller-flavored dishes.
90 Shannon Ridge 2013 High Elevation Chardonnay
87 Shannon Ridge 2012 High Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon
87 Playtime 2012 Red Wine
88 Shannon Ridge 2010 Betsy Vineyard Malbec (High Valley)
An intense, impactful Malbec strong in tannin and power, teeth-staining and suggestive of a leathery saddle.
Amidst the wine’s manliness there is also ripe dark cherry, tobacco and plenty of soft vanilla. This is a big meat
wine.
— V.B. (8/1/2014)
88 Shannon Ridge 2010 Caldwell Ranch Petite Sirah (High Valley)
Closed at first and immediately tannic, this Petite opens up in vibrant ways, showing off a soft texture and
earthy blackberry and blueberry flavors. Long on the finish, it’s round enough to pair with something gamey.
— V.B. (5/1/2014)
89 Shannon Ridge 2012 High Elevation Collection Sauvignon Blanc (High Valley)
While creamy in texture, and with rich vanilla, honey and pear flavors, this SB has a cleansing citrus mid-palate
where it’s crisp, bright personality shines through. Well priced and well made, this is a good representative of
Lake County’s new High Valley AVA.
— V.B. (3/1/2014)
Spirit of Wine Reviews
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Review: ***+ $$ Vigilance Cimarron Red Wine, Lake County, California, 2011 = GOOD
VALUE
Editor: jorray
Original tasting and review : This is Vigilance Cimarron Red Wine, Lake County, California, 2011, finished at 14.2%
alcohol. It is a Zinfandel-based blend, including Syrah, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
This offering comes from Clay and Margarita Shannon, the owners of Shannon Ridge. It is first being sampled three
years from vintage date, with review sample provided by a representative of the winery.
In the glass: A very deep mahogany.
On the nose: Poured at cool room temperature and swirled vigorously, brings a bright purple aroma into your
nostrils. From the aroma, seems like this will be bold and perhaps even dark around the edges.
On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact a robust, layered blend of black, red and purple
fruit, showing good, gritty tannins alongside the substantial and flavorful fruit. The finish is brief but clean,
showing a bright acid note in your cheeks. This would be very much on its own standing up to a hearty meat or
pasta dish.
In summary: Overall, rates three stars with a plus for its welcome balance on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.
Good value.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Review: **** $$ Shannon Ridge Chardonnay, High Elevation Collection, Lake County, California,
2013 = BEST VALUE
Editor: jorray
Original tasting and review : This is Shannon Ridge Chardonnay, High Elevation Collection, Lake County,
California, 2013, finished at 13.9% alcohol. This was first reviewed the year following vintage date, and review
sample was provided by a representative of the winery.
In the glass: Clear with a very light yellow/olive cast.
On the nose: Poured at cool room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows light funk and yeasty fruit, with a
hint of crisp pear and apple. From the aroma, seems like this will be focused and fun.
On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact quite sleek, bringing soft robes of mineral fruit
across your tongue and into your palate. Bright notes of pear and apple, but all captured within a river of
minerality and sleekness that speaks to a elegant undertone. The finish builds slowly and ends with some very
clean acids that ultimately lodge in your cheeks for a good long while.
In summary: Overall, rates an impressive four stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making this an easy
choice as a best value.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Review: ***+ $ Playtime Blonde Chardonnay, Lake County, California, 2013, = BEST VALUE
Editor: jorray
Original tasting and review : This is Playtime Blonde Chardonnay, Lake County, California, 2013, finished at 13.9%
alcohol, first sampled a mere one year from vintage date. Playtime is a value-priced line from the team at
Shannon Ridge. Review sample provided by winery representative.
In the glass: White with yellow glints.
On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows light and sweet grassy fruit, flush with
pear and peach. From the aroma, seems like this will be light, sweet and bright.
On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact peachy and peary, with a creamy surround and
sweet acids that lift the full experience. Modest finish that ends crisp in your cheeks, nicely balanced. Not a
profound experience, but incredibly friendly and fun.
In summary: Overall, rates three stars with a big plus for balanced deliciousness on the five-star Spirit of Wine
scale. Best value at an incredibly attractive retail price point.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Review: ***+ $$ Playtime Red Wine, Lake County, California, 2012 = GOOD VALUE
Editor: jorray
Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Playtime Red.
Original tasting and review : This is Playtime Red Wine, Lake County, California, 2012, finished at 13.9% alcohol,
a blend of mostly Zinfandel, with blending amounts of Grenache, Petite Verdot and Barbera, first sampled two
years from vintage date. Playtime is a value-priced line from the team at Shannon Ridge. Review sample was
provided by a representative of the winery.
In the glass: Deep dusty dark red.
On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows shy light merlot aromas, hard to
decipher.
On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact very round, lusty, full of balanced fruit, tannins and
acids. Sweet red and black stone fruit combines to bring a mouth-filling experience. Solid finish that simply lets
the fullness taper to a slow, clean finish.
In summary: Overall, the full, balanced experience reaches an easy three stars with a big plus for friendly balance
on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making this a very good value at an attractive price point!
Dan Berger’s Vintage Experiences (Volume XVIII, Issue 11)
May 1, 2014
Highly Recommended
2012 Shannon Ridge Wrangler Red
Red, High Valley ($19): I’m not a fan of sweet reds, but chill this lovely blend of Zin and Syrah a
bit and the wine’s complexity and spice notes are quite appealing. It represents the new style of
soft, quaffable reds that are so appealing to younger buyers these days.
January 2014
* 87 DALLIANCE Lake County 2011
41% Zinfandel; 24% Syrah; 12% Barbera; 11% Tempranillo; 9% Cabernet Sauvignon; 3%
Grenache. Nominally ripened and nicely fruity with a little more Zinfandel direction than its
very mixed cepage might predict, the Dalliance blend is a well-made, if frontal and obvious, red
wine that gets the nod for its juicy immediacy. It is slightly fleshy with good palatal weight but
it is never heavy or plodding, and it will do the trick as foil to a number of slightly heartier
braised meat dishes. $20.00
* 88 VIGILANCE Cimarron Lake County 2011
44% Zinfandel; 39% Syrah; 9% Petite Sirah; and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. It would be misleading
to portray this wine as classic Zinfandel, and though its strength is not compelling complexity, it
succeeds nicely on many levels, not the least of which is being well-balanced and insistently
fruity. It makes good use of sweet oak in finding an extra measure of richness, and all of its
parts merge with easy seamlessness. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now or held for a few
years with expectations that it will become smoother as it sits. $25.00