St. Patty, apologies for no Guinness this year ...

I chose Chardonnay instead. In an attempt to be witty with my brand selection today ... I pulled "Shannon" Ridge, 2011 Lake County, CA Chardonnay off the rack. I chilled it a bit, then cracked it open. Creamy, toasty, butterscotchy, pineapples, pears. Oh, how I adore oak-barreled Chardonnay.

I seared jumbo shrimp in a blend of butter and grapeseed oil on high heat, and placed them on a fresh salad, with tomatoes, Castello olives, baby bella mushrooms, tossed in Italian-y vinaigrette.

What a lovely pairing. Buttery gorgeous shrimp with buttery gorgeous wine.

Cheers to a low-key St. Party's day! Thank you, Shannon Ridge.