The first week of September was pretty warm and, we were starting to become concerned about dehydration in the grapes. Since then we have had a real cool down in temperatures overall, lots of humidity back in the air and the threat of dehydration is gone. I’m seeing phenological ripening, not ripening do to dehydration.

We just started to pick our first 2007 red varietals on Saturday, September 15th for our winery clients. The comments back from the winemakers on the first three deliveries are making us really excited about the exceptional quality that the Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Barbera and Zinfandel are showing right out of the crusher.

Many reds aren’t ready to be picked yet, although it is starting to feel like fall is on the way: acorns are falling, and the deer are chasing each other. But, no bears in the vineyards yet, which means the Mourvedre and Zinfandel must not be ripe. – Clay Shannon

Are the cool regions getting warmer and the warmer regions getting cooler? First time in ten years that we have recorded fog in September on our Caldwell Ranch above Clearlake Oaks, California. Photo above is of fog on the ranch September 16, 2007.

Visit our Online Store to purchase these wines and others.
Barbera, with a beautiful, vibrant, cherry red and soft, light finish @ $20.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s aroma reminds us of ripe cherries, cinnamon and layers of black currants @ $19.00
Grenache, incredible bright cranberry red and a soft, long finish @ $28.00
Syrah, with a dark mahogany color and flavors of ripe blackberry and toasty brown sugar @ $19.00
Wrangler Red, a terrific blend of Cab, Syrah, Zin, Mourvedre and Temparanillo @ $17.00
Zinfandel, Vibrant Christmas Rose, Inky red, Ripe Raspberry/Strawberry, Raspberry Jam flavors @ $19.00
We’re hearing very good reviews about our new releases. Scores of 90, and word of one scoring 4-1/2 out of 5 stars, Please stay tuned!

6:30 Reception, Special 5-course dinner, each course paired with one of Shannon Ridge award winning wines cost: $55.00 each. Wine Club members save 20% = $45.00 each. 10200 Fairway Dr., Kelseyville - Reservations: 707-277-7575.

Have you tried our Vineyard Tours? It is a great time of the year to be on the Ranch. Don't forget about our Vineyard Wine Tasting Tours. $25.00 per person for tasting and 1-1/2 hour tour; or $40.00 for tasting, 1-1/2 hour tour and lunch, all in our vineyards overlooking north America's oldest lake. Tours are by appointment only. For more information contact us at: 707-998-9656 or info@shannonridge.com. Or find out more on our Tasting Room page. Tasting Room open 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Check our new website, just rebuilt with lots of new information. Don't forget to join the Wrangler Wine Club and receive up to 25% discount on all Shannon Ridge wines and logo merchandise. All at: www.shannonridge.com.