High Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

High Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied North Coast California red wine bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2019 vintage earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast critic Jim Gordon, underscoring the quality that High Valley AVA's volcanic soils and elevation bring to Cabernet Sauvignon.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: High Valley AVA, Lake County, California  |  Red Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon-based)  |  Producer: High Valley Vineyard (Shannon Family of Wines)

Production & Heritage

High Valley Vineyard is part of the Shannon Family of Wines, also known as Shannon Ridge, situated in the High Valley AVA of Lake County on California's North Coast. Vineyards sit at elevations between 1,600 and 3,000 feet on red, rocky volcanic soils — among the coolest growing sites in Lake County. The estate runs roughly 1,000 head of sheep through its vineyards, a sustainable practice that composts weeds directly into soil nutrients and eliminates the need for mechanical mowing. The blend is built on 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by 16% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and small additions of Zinfandel, Alicante Bouschet, and Syrah — each contributing layers of complexity beyond a single-varietal bottling.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with dried cherry and blackberry, followed by black pepper and a backdrop of cedar and vanilla. Give it a few minutes in the glass and deeper spice notes emerge alongside hints of cherry pie.

Taste: The entry is fruit-forward with dark berries and black currant, moving into a mid-palate where black cherry and plum dominate. As the wine develops, complementary layers of cacao, nutmeg, anise, and soft herbs round out the profile, balanced by toasted oak structure.

Finish: The finish is textured and moderately long, carrying cherry fruit, herbal accents, and gentle spice. A fine-grained tannic grip lingers without becoming astringent.

How to Drink High Valley Cab

Serve at 60–65°F in a large-bowled glass. This wine rewards 20–30 minutes of decanting, which opens up the darker fruit and spice layers. It drinks well on its own or alongside food.

• Classic Cabernet pairing: Grilled ribeye steak — the volcanic-soil minerality and firm tannins cut through the richness of the beef.
• Braised short ribs: Low-and-slow preparation mirrors the wine's dark berry depth and herbal complexity.
• Aged cheddar or Gruyère board: The wine's toasted oak and cherry notes complement nutty, sharp cheeses.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners that call for a serious but approachable red
• Introducing someone to Lake County's volcanic terroir wines
• Gifting a Cabernet lover something outside of Napa Valley
• Building a mixed case of North Coast California reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does High Valley Cab taste like? It delivers full-bodied dark berry and black cherry fruit layered with cacao, nutmeg, soft herbs, and toasted oak, finishing with a textured tannic grip.

How does High Valley Cab compare to entry-level Napa Valley Cabernet? High Valley AVA sits at higher elevation on volcanic soils, which tends to produce brighter acidity and a more mineral-driven profile than the warmer Napa Valley floor. It also typically carries a lower price point than comparable Napa Cabernets while delivering similar concentration and complexity.

Is High Valley Cab good for sipping on its own? Yes — its balanced tannin structure and layered fruit make it an enjoyable wine to drink neat, especially after a brief decanting period to let the aromatics open up.

Where is High Valley Cab made? It is produced by High Valley Vineyard, part of the Shannon Family of Wines, in the High Valley AVA of Lake County, California, within the broader North Coast region. Vineyards range from 1,600 to 3,000 feet in elevation on volcanic soils.

What foods pair well with High Valley Cab? Grilled red meats like ribeye and lamb chops match its tannic structure; braised short ribs echo its dark fruit depth; aged hard cheeses such as Gruyère complement its oak and spice; roasted portobello mushrooms work with its herbal undertones; and dark chocolate desserts mirror the cacao and berry finish.

What sizes does High Valley Cab come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is High Valley Cab worth the price? High Valley Cabernet Sauvignon positions as a value-tier North Coast Cabernet that consistently over-delivers — the 2019 vintage's 90-point Wine Enthusiast score places it alongside wines that often cost significantly more, particularly from neighboring Napa Valley.

Why High Valley Cab?

The 90-point score from Wine Enthusiast on the 2019 vintage confirms what the terroir promises: High Valley AVA's volcanic soils and mountain elevation produce Cabernet with genuine concentration and complexity. The multi-varietal blend — anchored by Cabernet Sauvignon with meaningful contributions from Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot — adds aromatic and textural dimensions that straight Cabernet bottlings at this tier rarely achieve. The estate's commitment to sustainable viticulture through its flock of 1,000 sheep is not a marketing gimmick but a functional farming practice that enriches the volcanic soil naturally. For drinkers exploring beyond Napa Valley, this wine makes a compelling case for Lake County as a serious Cabernet region.