CONCANNON CONSERVANCY CRIMSON & CLOVER - 2009

This is the first release of the Crimson & Clover wine, a blend of 50% Petite Sirah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, and 10% Zinfandel.  The wine is from the Livermore Valley and aged in French and American oak barrels for 18 months. 


The wine was made by John Concannon as a tribute to his father, Jim Concannon, the father of America's First Petite Sirah who celebrated his 80th birthday back in July.  13.7% alcohol.


TASTING NOTES:


Rich red color with aromas of black currant, baking spices, and berries.  On the palate, there's blackberry, leather, tobacco, plum, cocoa, and black cherry candy on the finish.  Chewy, almost dusty tannin gives way to some nice acidity backed by vanilla oak.


SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:


91+ PTS
This is a special wine that is well-crafted and delicious.  From the first taste, you might think this is a California Meritage with bottle age.  It has class both in and outside of the bottle (just look at the gorgeous glass and label). The wine retails for an affordable $15 which is surprising for this kind of quality. Put this wine somewhere on the 2011 Wine Spectator Top 100 list. This wine rocks!