Shannon Ridge High Elevation Chardonnay

Shannon Ridge High Elevation Chardonnay is a Lake County, California Chardonnay (13.8% ABV, 750ml) grown at elevations between 1,200 and 2,400 feet. The 2023 vintage earned 93 points, underscoring the consistent quality of this estate-grown bottling sourced from three distinct Lake County appellations.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.8%  |  Origin: Lake County, North Coast, California  |  Style: Oaked Chardonnay  |  Producer: Shannon Ridge Family of Wines

Production & Heritage

Shannon Ridge Family of Wines farms estate vineyards across Lake County at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 feet above sea level. The High Elevation Chardonnay blends fruit from three appellations within the county: High Valley contributes bright citrus and acidity, Red Hills adds lush ripe fruit character, and Big Valley brings grassiness and mineral tones. The blend—96% Chardonnay with 4% Sauvignon Blanc—spends six months aging in a combination of French and American oak, with an additional three months of sur lees contact post-fermentation to build richness and a creamy mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh pear and green apple lead, followed by citrus blossom and a gentle undercurrent of toasted oak. A light coconut and caramel quality emerges as the wine opens.

Taste: The palate entry is smooth and fruit-forward, with baked pear and yellow apple giving way to honeyed stone fruit at mid-palate. Cinnamon, orange peel, and vanilla cream layer in as the wine builds, supported by buttery oak spice that adds body without heaviness. The 4% Sauvignon Blanc lends a subtle grassy lift that keeps the richness in check.

Finish: Long, silky, and juicy with lingering pineapple and a faint tropical suggestion of coconut. The oak influence fades gradually, leaving clean fruit and a pleasant creaminess.

How to Drink High Elevation Chardonnay

This wine shows well slightly chilled to around 50–55°F, whether served on its own or alongside food. Its creamy texture and balanced oak make it versatile for several classic white wine cocktails. A White Wine Spritzer preserves the pear and citrus notes while adding refreshment. A Chardonnay Sangria with sliced apples, pears, and a splash of elderflower liqueur plays directly into the wine's fruit profile. An Aperol Spritz variation using this Chardonnay in place of prosecco lends a richer, more rounded base to the bittersweet aperitif.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where a reliable, food-friendly Chardonnay is needed
• Introducing someone to oaked California Chardonnay without overwhelming them
• Hosting a wine night focused on exploring Lake County's growing reputation
• Summer gatherings that call for a full-bodied white served alongside grilled seafood

Frequently Asked Questions

What does High Elevation Chardonnay taste like? It leads with ripe pear, apple, and citrus, layered with vanilla cream, cinnamon, and buttery oak spice. The finish is long and silky with a tropical hint of coconut and pineapple.

How does High Elevation Chardonnay compare to Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay? Both are popular California Chardonnays in a similar value tier, but Shannon Ridge distinguishes itself through high-altitude Lake County fruit sourced from 1,200–2,400 feet, which contributes brighter acidity and mineral complexity. Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve draws from a broader range of California coastal regions and tends toward a rounder, more tropical profile.

Is High Elevation Chardonnay good for sipping on its own? Yes—the combination of sur lees aging and oak contact creates enough body and creaminess to stand on its own, while the natural acidity from high-elevation vineyards keeps it lively and balanced.

Where is High Elevation Chardonnay made? It is produced by Shannon Ridge Family of Wines in Lake County, part of California's North Coast region, from estate vineyards spanning three appellations: High Valley, Red Hills, and Big Valley.

What foods pair well with High Elevation Chardonnay? Roasted chicken with herbs complements the wine's buttery oak character. Grilled shrimp or lobster matches its creamy texture. Mild, semi-soft cheeses like Havarti or young Gouda echo its vanilla and caramel notes. A pear and arugula salad mirrors the fruit-forward aromatics. Pasta in a light cream sauce works naturally with the wine's richness and acidity.

What sizes does High Elevation Chardonnay come in? The standard bottle size is 750ml.

Is High Elevation Chardonnay worth the price? This positions as a strong value-tier California Chardonnay, delivering estate-grown, multi-appellation complexity and sur lees richness that competes with wines priced well above its category. The 93-point score on the 2023 vintage reinforces its standing as an overperformer at its price level.

Why High Elevation Chardonnay?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of California Chardonnay is its elevation-driven viticulture. Vineyards farmed between 1,200 and 2,400 feet experience wider diurnal temperature swings, which preserve natural acidity and develop more concentrated fruit character—a tangible quality in the glass. The deliberate blending of three Lake County appellations adds layered complexity that single-site wines at this price point rarely achieve. Gold medals at both TEXSOM International Wine Awards and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, along with a 93-point score for the 2023 vintage, confirm that Shannon Ridge consistently delivers one of the most compelling Chardonnay values on the North Coast.