Ovis (Latin for sheep)…. is a small lot of wine that pays homage to the flock of sheep that help control the cover crops and weeds in the vineyards. The sheep and the dedicated Great Pyrenees guard dogs are the foundation of Clay Shannon’s sustainable farming practices. His love of protecting mother earth creates fertile lands that produce this extraordinary wine that he and his family offer to you with pride.

2019 was a wet spring followed by a mild summer. It was ideal for long hang time and getting phenolic ripeness. Early season frost singed low areas but cooled off all northern locations and allowed for extended hang time of our Cabernet and Petite Sirah.

Acids remained naturally higher this vintage and brix were slow to accumulate until they spiked at the end of the season. Power shutoffs made pressing and pumping grapes difficult. In the end we got all the fruit in and made some beautiful wines for the mild season.

Amazing wine takes time. On the north slope of High Valley, on Franciscan soils, lies a small 2.7 acre block in the middle of Betsy’s Vineyard. These 30+ year old vines produce small clusters of our most mouthwatering Petite Sirah. This wine has aromas of dried blueberries with undertones of Dutch chocolate and vanilla, followed by flavors of dense fruit, earthy dried herbs, oats, molasses and warm spices. Enjoy anytime or cellar for 10+ years