Concannon Petite Sirah 2014
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Enjoy this artful expression of voluptuous blackberry, blueberry and layered spice leading to a long, velvety finish.
Blend: 90% Petite Sirah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
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Intriguing floral aromas like rose petals and appetizing, fresh berry flavors are tempting in this medium-bodied and not-too-tannic wine. While still firm in texture, this will drink well soon, but will be best after 2018.
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Since 1883, Concannon Vineyard has been a trailblazer in California wine. Their story started when James Concannon immigrated to America over 130 years ago. He was a maverick who challenged the status quo, and was one of the first to craft Bordeaux-style wines in California. Recognizing the striking similarity to the premier terroir of France, James began importing extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon vines directly from the renowned Château Margaux in Bordeaux to the Livermore Valley. Years later, in 1965, his grandson, Jim, collaborated with UC Davis in selecting cuttings from one of those vines for heat treatment. These dynamic, virus-resistant vines later became known as Concannon Cabernet Clones 7, 8 and 11 and played a key role in helping California Cabernet achieve international recognition. Today, they are proud that an estimated 80% of California’s Cabernet Sauvignon is planted with their Concannon Clones.
With its deep color, firm tannins and bold flavors, there is nothing petite about Petite Sirah. The variety, originally known as Durif in the Rhône, took on its more popular moniker after being imported to California in the early 1880s. Quintessentially recognized today as a grape of the Golden State, Petite Sirah works well blended with Zinfandel and finds success as a single varietal wine in the state’s warmer districts. Somm Secret—Petite Sirah is not a smaller version of Syrah but it is an offspring of Syrah and the now nearly extinct French Alpine variety called Peloursin.
A warm sub-appellation of the greater San Francisco Bay AVA (American Viticultural Area), Livermore Valley mainly hides behind the shielding effects of the bay’s eastern hills. However, late afternoon winds cool down summer nights as daytime heat rises from the Central Valley in the east, pulling the cold, foggy, bay air inland. This cooler evening air permeates the Livermore Valley's foothills, making this an ideal environment for the development of phenolic ripeness and concentration in its wine grapes.
The Livermore Valley is one of California's oldest wine regions and has played a crucial role in shaping California's wine industry. Spanish missionaries planted the first wine grapes in the Livermore Valley in the 1760s. Then in the mid 1800s, a man named Robert Livermore planted the area’s first commercial vineyards. Winemaker pioneer C. H. Wente arrived a few years later; today the Wente Chardonnay clone is the source of a majority of California Chardonnay. Furthermore, James Concannon and the Wetmore brothers recognized the virtues of the area’s Bordeaux-like gravel soils and dedicated themselves to making high quality wine from Bordeaux varieties. Today the area is also known for high quality Petite Sirah.