Located just around the corner from Lodi, Concannon Vineyards is one of the oldest vineyards in the country and home to “America’s First Petite Sirah”.  Despite the similar name, Petite Sirah is not Syrah, but rather an entirely different grape.  Petite Sirah produces concentrated flavors thanks to its high juice to skin ratio.  This leads to a highly tannic wine, but intensely flavorful wine.  Given Concannon Vineyards claim to be the first to produce it, how is Concannon Petite Sirah?

[Disclosure:  Concannon Vineyards kindly sent over this wonderful bottle just in time for the holidays!]

Sight:  A deep inky black with a hot magenta edge.

Smell:  Deeply concentrated blueberries with baked, spiced blackberries.    Various notes of black cherries, ripe red fruits, and cocoa powder come through steadily.   A touch of oak blessed the glass.

Sip:  The body is full force and firm.  Cherries and blackberries join, while blueberry plays harmony.  Deep, dark flavors of smoke and oak come out to join the mix, adding a hint of vanilla and spice.  The fruit and oak are joined by a moderated group of tannins.

Savor:  The ending is full of blackberry and tannins.  The tannins are chunky, but not rough around the edges.  As the finish lingers, more dark fruit notes join in.

Concannon Petite Sirah is a lively traipse through dark fruits with a touch of oak.  While the fruit plays lead, the harmony of the oak isn’t forgotten and adds a distinct character to the wine.  The darkness of Petite Sirah’s tannins beg for food, and hearty winter fare is going to match perfectly.  If you haven’t had a Petite Sirah, Concannon’s example is a delicious option.

Verdict: Blackberry, Cherry, Blueberry, Oak
Rating: 85
Price: $20 [This bottle was received as a sample]
Livermore, California

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