Nobody handed Clay Shannon his 2,000-acre ranch in Lake County’s High Valley, just 35 miles north of Napa Valley. He earned every square foot of these red volcanic soils, a project 30 years in the making. A Healdsburg farm boy, he paid his dues in a long career managing vineyards for other people, and today his 1,000 acres of vines comprise one of the country’s largest certified organic, regenerative farms. It’s no accident that Napa vineyard maven Andy Beckstoffer bought his own outpost in Lake County’s nearby Red Hills a year after Clay bought his.

Shannon named his top-tier wines OVIS, after the ovines (sheep) that weed in between the rows, a key part of his no-till, biodynamic approach to winegrowing. His best handful of Cabernet Sauvignon acres are reserved for this wine. 

Why You'll Love It

• Beautifully fresh and pure cassis, black cherry, chaparral, and sweet tobacco tones. In other words: a luxury Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon profile—for 50% to 80% fewer dollars.

• Small production; this is a master viticulturist’s pinnacle wine, from his single best hillside block high in the Mayacamas Range.

• Made by a true hero of California organic viticulture, the winner of the 2021 California Green Medal Environment Award, who deserves unwavering support.

How to Serve it

• Decant for 20 minutes to drink now, or keep through 2032.

• Serve in Bordeaux or Cabernet stems at 58°F.

• Pair with Epoisses cheeseburgers or smoked tri-tip.