2019 Giannecchini Estate Blend Mendocino 750 ml

Clay Shannon knows a great vineyard when he sees it. 

With a storied career in Napa Valley viticulture and 2,000+ acres of his own in Lake County, he presides over some of the top terroirs OUTSIDE of California’s big-money zones. So he knew exactly what to do when he heard the Giannecchini family in Mendocino was ready to sell the vineyard they’d farmed for over a century: He pounced.

His 92-point 2019 Giannecchini Estate Blend—a cuvée of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Sangiovese, and 10% Merlot—shows exactly why he was all over this vineyard. Aromatically, it’s bursting at the seams with blackcurrants, warm black plums, mission figs, dark-cherry liqueur, and anise. On the palate, it’s got loads of ripe berries and supple tannins, making it a perfect pairing with grilled flatiron steaks and chimichurri. 

Wine Access members have embraced Clay Shannon’s wines in a major way. His bottlings offer a combination of bold, expressive fruit and extremely fair pricing, which means every single Shannon wine—the Chardonnay, the 13 Rams Red, The David Red—has scored four stars or higher.

Shannon is a self-made man. He grew up a 4-H farm boy in Sonoma County and rose through the ranks to become manager of all vineyard operations at Trinchero before he set out on his own. Today, his holdings in Lake County contain 1,000 acres of organically farmed vineyards he planted himself—in fact, his “Home Ranch” site is one of the largest 100% certified organic vineyards in the United States. 

One sip and you’ll see why Shannon hand-picked Giannecchini for his portfolio. Here’s hoping you always have enough on hand!