Concannon Conservancy Petite Sirah 2008

Last year I reviewed a 2007 Petite Sirah from Concannon Vineyard, so I was delighted to recently receive the 2008 vintage.  The Petite Sirah is one of three red wines I have began to appreciate much more over the past year and this would be my first one of this vinatge.

In 1996, Concannon was the first Livermore Valley vineyard to place its land into a permanent conservation easement.  Other vineyards have since followed suit to ensure that urbanization doesn’t threaten Livermore Valley as a wine producing region.
All Concannon Conservancy wines are entirely sourced from grapes grown in Livermore vineyards that are protected from urban encroachment by a conservation trust that preserves the land for perpetuity.  The Conservancy collection includes Pitite Sirah, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
I could not wait to open the 2008 Petite Sirah.
The color was a very dark purple.  The aromas were dark cherry, some blackberry and elderberry.  Felt good in the mouth with soft tannins and taste of cherry, black plums and some toasty oak.  I also got just a hint of chocolate before a very nice and very long smooth finish filled with cherry, berries and some green pepper.
Since I now eat red meat only once a month, I have to find other foods to accompany wines I like with my burgers and steaks, but this evening was that one day and Shirley cooked up a broiled New York Strip with a baked potato and broccoli.  The wine was perfect.  Also try this with BBQ chicken and a nice roast lamb. 
*Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the PR folks representing the brand.
 Varietal Composition: 100% Petite Sirah
Appellation: Livermore Valley
Case Production: 6000
Aging: French and American Oak barrels
Alcohol: 13.5%
Acidity: 0.58g/100ml
pH: 3.62
Release date: Winter 2010
Suggested Retail: $15
Available: Nationally