We’ve reviewed a number of Concannon’s wines here at Cheap Wine Ratings, and aside from a disappointing, and rather out of character showing from their 2007 Merlot, we’ve been impressed with their wines.  As Tim mentions in his review of Concannon’s 2007 Central Coast pinot noir, Concannon Vineyard has a long, rich history of producing quality wines.  So when it came time to review their petite syrah, a varietal that I’m quite fond of, I jumped at the chance.

Petite sirah is a wonderful varietal offering rich, powerful fruit, often in a heavier bodied, yet smooth and lush style.  The wines are often a deep ink color, and completely opaque.  With that intense fruit can come higher alcohol levels and some robust tannins, so it’s not exactly a no-brainer for winemakers.  We’ve reviewed the 2007 Conservancy petite sirah and found it’s characteristics to be spot on the varietal, as well as somewhat spot on in exhibiting some of the challenges winemakers have with this varietal.  We scored that wine an 87.  Let’s see how the 2008 stacks up.

The first thing you notice about this wine is the deep brilliant purple color.  The wine just looks delicious.  The nose offers deep berry with mild toast, and the mild alcohol is kept better in-check than the 2007.  On the palate the wine is all petite sirah, showing lush deep berry with well-integrated toast and soft tannins, leading to a smooth finish.  It’s a full-bodied wine but it doesn’t overwhelm with oak and tannin.  This style of wine often serves as a good starter for wine-lovers looking to branch-out from full-bodied whites or light-bodied reds, to something with more power.

So, we have an improved showing on an already well-crafted 2007 Concannon Conservancy petite sirah.  Even more exciting is Tim’s review of Concannon’s 2009 Crimson & Clover petite sirah blend.  This should be an indication of even better showings from Concannon’s pure petite sirah moving forward.  Keep this wine on your watch list.

A  Salute!

Wine: Concannon
Variety: Petite Sirah
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 89
Price: $15.00

Find Concannon Conservancy 2008 Petite Sirah with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.