Conconnan Conservancy Peite Sirah 2007

Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. A few of the issues are for how long and where.  Of course my choice would be Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley or Russian River Valley, the home of some of the best wines in the world.  Oh, I'm sorry, did I leave out Paso Robles, Lodi, Central Coast or Livermore Valley.  Maybe we should wait until we can spend a couple of months and visit them all.
The past few months I have been tasting, or should I say consuming, some really fantastic California wines from many different AVA's.  Most notably, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.
Tonight I am enjoying a Petite Sirah from the Livermore Valley, a Concannon Conservancy 2007.


*disclaimer:  I received this wine as a sample from Patricia Schneider Associates for review.

A founding family of California wine, Concannon is the oldest continuously operating winery under the same family name, with four generations of family leadership at the helm. Concannon introduced America's first varietally labeled Petite Sirah in 1961, sparking a love affair with this varietal, and led with the introduction of Cabernet Sauvignon clones 7, 8 and 11 in replanting much of Napa Valley in the 1970s. As Concannon enters its 127th harvest, the pioneering winery continues to provide industry leadership in preserving an agricultural way of life by protecting vineyards from urban development. As part of The Wine Group, Concannon has completed a $30 million revitalization program, preserving the best of its winemaking heritage and practices while incorporating state-of-the-art technology to preserve wine quality.
A new Conservancy tier of wines from Concannon Vineyard - sourcing grapes only from Livermore vineyards that are protected forever from urban encroachment.  "These wines are a tribute to my great-grandfather, James Concannon, who founded our winery in 1883." John Concannon 4th Generation Vintner

Winemaker Notes:
The 2007 Petite Sirah, Conservancy has fantastic depth and character.  It exhibits a rich nose of fresh berry fruit and the flavorful palate shows blackberries, chocolate, mocha and plums.  Subtle notes of molasses, cedarwood, and ripe mulberries are complemented by soft, creamy oak tones and a smooth, silky finish.

My Notes:
Aroma's are full of blackberries and black cherry with hints of blueberry.  On the palate, it was all dark plum with some white chocolate leading to a very smooth finish.


Served with a simple "Shake and Bake" chicken with "Stove Top Stuffing."  Saved a little for late night TV and enjoyed both.


The 2007 is the first vintage from the new Conservancy program and is available nationally.   Suggested retail is $15.  Very nice wine, very nice price.  A must buy!




Other Reviews:
Travaglini, Gattinara 2001 (Italy)
Carpineto, Dogajolo 2006 (Italy)
Penfolds, Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2006 (Australia)
Muga, Rioja Reserva 2003 (Spain)
Buttonwood Grove, Dry Riesling 2006 (NY)
La Corte, Salice Salentino 2006 (Italy) 
Damiani, vino rosso NV (NY)
Vina Real, Rioja 2005 (Spain)
Damiani, Pinot Noir 2006 (NY)
Barons de Rothschild, Bordeaux Reserve Speciale 2006 (France)
Clos Du Bois, Calcaire 2006(California)
Heron Hill, Eclipse 2004 (NY)
Bonterra, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) *organic
Babich, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand)
Quinta, Da Cortezia Reserva 2004 (Portugal)
Heron Hill, Cabernet Franc Rose' 2006 (NY)
Damiani, Meritage 2007 (NY)
Bonterra, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (California) *organic
Henry Estate, Oregon Pinot Noir 2006 (Oregon)
Lindemans, Bin 40 Merlot 2007 (Australia)
Mutuo Rioja Crianza 2004 (Spain) *organic
White Springs, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Anthony Road, semi-dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Cantina Zaccagnini, Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Riserva 2005 (Italy)
King Family Vineyards, Michael Shaps Viognier 2006 (Virginia)
Ravines Wine Cellars, Cabernet Franc 2007 (NY)
Row House Cellars, White Table Wine NV (NY)
Candoni Chianti DOCG 2007 (Italy)
Glenora Wine Cellars, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Billsboro Winery, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards Reserve Riesling 2008 (NY)
Banfi Chianti Classico Reserva 2005 (Italy)
Lamoreaux Landing, dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Agent for Change (Martellotto Wines) Zinfandel 2006 (California)
Fulkerson Winery Dornfelder 2007 (NY)
Atwater Estate Vineyards Syrah 2007 (NY)
Bonterra Vineyards Zinfandel 2007 (California) *organic
Lakewood Vineyards Riesling 2007 (NY)
Atwater Estate Vineyards Cabernet-Merlot 2007 (NY)
Cline Cellars Cashmere 2008 (California)
Bogle Winery Petite Sirah 2007 (California)
Arboleda Carmenere 2006 (Chile)
Concha y Toro Concha Marques de Concha Casa Carmenere 2007 (Chile)
Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2008 (Chile)
Rancho Zabaco Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Reserve 2004 (California)