Our introduction to this joyful new brand came when our friend, Tim Martin (the man behind TUSK), contacted us wondering if ACME had any interest in learning about a special project that was soon to be unveiled. We instantly accepted the opportunity to host Tim and his mystery guest who turned out to be none other than Shannon O’Shaughnessy of the O’Shaughnessy Estate on Howell Mountain!
Shannon has lived an exciting life, both on land and in the air. Her passion for flying and the freedom it has offered her has inspired her in various ways. It was therefore apropos that she would adopt an aeronautical term for her brand: Aileron, which means “little wing” or “fin” which references the rudder on an airplane’s wing that controls the direction of flight. The word has profound meaning for Shannon and is symbolic not only of her love for flying but also for the impact that learning to fly had on the ultimate direction of her life. For Shannon, the confidence that she gained while learning to pilot gave her the courage to commit to the wine industry by both assisting in establishing her family winery as a major player in Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and launching Aileron. Wanting, or perhaps needing, even more autonomy, Shannon went on to purchase a Cabernet vineyard on Atlas Peak which is home to her not-yet-released single vineyard Cabernet “Altimeter”, which will be offered to those who come along with ACME for an allocation down the road. This monumental step encouraged her to dream big and ask for the help she would need to manage something so grand. She would need both a vineyard and winemaking crew, and thus hired the ever so competent Atelier Melka team to become a part of her future beginning with the 2017 vintage.
The winemaker behind her first release is the talented Robbie Meyer, formerly of Peter Michael, Lewis Cellars, and his eponymous Peirson Meyer brand. The fruit is from O’Shaughnessy Estate Howell Mountain vineyards and the wine is truly stunning! Inky deep and dark, the 2016 Aileron befits its Howell Mountain appellation. “The aromatic profile offers black plum, ripe blackberry and blueberry compote. The terroir expresses itself in fresh, earthy notes balanced with Christmas spice and subtle florals. The palate has a silky entry opening broadly across the mid-palate with excellent structure provided by fine, ripe tannins. Gorgeous purity of fruit marks the finish with exactitude and focus.” -Winemaker notes by Robbie Meyer. 200 cases made.
