Mr. Steele loved Lake County and was enamored of the Red Hills. Established as an AVA in 2004 and located within the larger appellation of Clear Lake, Red Hills’ vineyards are 1,600 to 2,600 feet above sea level, giving the grapes intense sunshine during the day and cooler nights that endow the grapes with the perfect balance between ripe fruit characters and acidity. The red volcanic soil, with pockets of black obsidian, has excellent drainage and absorbs heat during the day to aid in the ripening process.

Keenly aware of the appellation’s potential to make sensational Cabernet-based wines, Mr. Steele took every opportunity to work with Red Hill fruit. Mr.Steel sadly passed away in 2025, but thanks to Shannon Ridge Family of Wines, who purchased his winery, his legacy lives on in his wines that are magnificent expressions of the Red Hills.

The 2023 Steele Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Zinfandel, and 10% Petite Verdot, has aromas of ripe plums and black cherries, with hints of black pepper and licorice. The palate is big, lush and fruit-driven, with ultra-ripe flavors of blackberries and black cherries laced with notes of dark chocolate. Tannins are firm yet pliant, melting into a long and silky finish.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13.5%
Producer Name: Jed Steele, Shannon Ridge Family of Wines
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Red Hills, Lake County, CA
Vintage: 2023
Grape Varietals: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Verdot
Wine Style: Dry, full-bodied red
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass Bordeaux bottle
Closure Style: Cork