“The unique soils in this region result from ancient lava flows, which still impart volcanic flavors and minerality to Ovis wines.” – Robb Report

Up up down down left right left right A B A B START!

Konami cheat code unlocked this: 95 POINT CAB FOR UNDER $30!?

What’s the catch?

Well, for starters, it doesn’t come from Napa. So, if you’re ok with Izod instead of Lacoste, or Toyota instead of Lexus, this is right for you.

The performance here is unmatched for the price. Like getting an extra 30 lives in Contra, except you get an extra $30+ back in your pocket, which is arguably better as an adult.

This comes from the Shannon Family, and you should know them by now. Just north of Napa, a blimp ride over Howell Mountain, and you’ll arrive in Lake County. Locally, we have a saying, “come for vacation and leave on probation,” which IYKYK, but the reality is there’s some damn fine grapes being grown here, and the cost of fruit is a fraction of what you’d pay just a few miles south in Napa.

There’s a good reason Andy Beckstoffer, Fred Schrader, and other prolific names invest up there - the rich soils and rugged terrain make for perfect growing conditions while tending the vines costs MUCH less. However, the Shannons have been making wine from these parts for years, together with partners like the Giannecchinis; they farm thousands of acres up there. This is proof they know what they’re doing.

Busting with robust, structured fruit, it’s giving ripe cherry, plum, and currants, with a touch of black olives and a dusting of exotic spices like cardamom, Ceylon cinnamon, and maybe some grains of paradise?! Whatever is happening here, it’s all good, and extremely satisfying to my taste buds that would swear this costs 2-3x more.

Your new daily drinker? It’s definitely ours. Your turn…

95 Points – Wine Enthusiast - “This wine is complex, concentrated, with aromas of dark berries, citrus, florals, and black tea on the nose. The flavors on the palate are the boysenberry, cassis, dark chocolate, bay leaf, and a juicy dry finish. Decant and drink until 2034. Pair with rib-eye steak.”