When we offered these beauties last as a two-pack, we chose to do so because of how inseparable they are. But today, since we were able to source a tad more, we unleash them à la carte.

If you hear ‘Petite’ Sirah and prefer it sized so, Nina’s got the finesse in, dare we say, a Pinot way.

These two work like yin and yang, which is why we present them as an inseparable pair; they MUST be enjoyed side by side, with the heartiest fare to pair ready once you decipher the nuances they share and set them apart. Captain Joe’s is on the masculine side of PS, brawny with savory tannins and jammy wild berries, while Nina’s Cuvée takes a trip to the Rhône lineage, hefty while elegant, graceful while spicy. Both have longevity and balance in their DNA, while accentuating the diversity of the great vineyards of Concannon through subtle variations in how each block translates into the final glasses. Brilliant stuff!

Per International Wine Review, “Petite Sirah has maintained a loyal cult following over the years owing to the enthusiastic support of its pioneer producers such as Jim Concannon.” And according to Jonathan Cristaldi, “Concannon famously imported vines from Bordeaux’s Château Margaux and Château d’Yquem, and made and introduced America’s first varietally labeled Petite Sirah in 1964 (from the 1961 vintage). Concannon Vineyard also became home to the renowned Concannon Cabernet Clones 7, 8, and 11 (a collaboration between Jim Concannon and the University of California at Davis) in 1965. Currently, an estimated 80% of California’s Cabernet Sauvignon vines are planted to these Concannon Clones.”

Over the decades, Concannon began crafting special small-lot reserve tiers - namely Captain Joe’s and Nina’s Cuvée - sourced from choice estate blocks (such as 11 and 12) to showcase distinct, highly age-worthy expressions of their signature grape. One is named after Joe Concannon (son of founder James Concannon), while the other honors Nina Concannon, Joe’s mother and James’ wife.

Still on the fence about Livermore wines? Cristaldi & Co. puts the spotlight on, “For those of you who are into balanced alcohols and elegant, food-friendly wines, I strongly urge you to spend a few days in the Livermore Valley… Another reason? The price of wine is unbeatable for the quality.”

What IWR said, “Petite Sirah possesses many wonderful attributes. It has the finish of great Syrah, the fruit of ripe Zinfandel, and the complexity and balance of the best Cabernet Sauvignons.”

A thrill ride is coming your way. One question remains, is your palate ready?!

Food Pairings: If you want to go special fancy dinner, enjoy Nina with Roasted Pheasant or Quail with Herb Butter, Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Five-Spice & Plums. Thinking Casual?? 😋Try Rosemary & Thyme Roasted Prime Rib Sandwiches, Grilled Lamb Burgers with Feta and Mint 🌿, Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Glaze or Charcuterie Board (Aged Gouda, Prosciutto, & Olives). Street Food or something with more flare? Try Jamaican Jerk Pork Tacos,🌮🇯🇲 Gyros with Seasoned Lamb, Tzatziki, & Herbs or Beef Shawarma Wrap with Tahini & Pickles.

Want Vegetarian Options?? Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Tart with Thyme, Charred Eggplant Caviar on Crusty Sourdough, 🍆 Lentil & Roasted Root Vegetable Stew or a 🍄 Wild Mushroom & Herb Galette (we also suggest a microgreens salad 🥗 to accompany any of these, perhaps taking out a blackberry balsamic and having some fun)

94 Points – Cristaldi & Co. “This wine is graceful and often mineral-driven, with red-black fruit and violet notes, a hint of smoky mineral notes, and a power-packed core of dark berry fruit, supported by fine-grained tannins and finishing with wet slate and pressed wild floral notes with a slightly salty finish. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 19 months in puncheons, including 20% new French oak. Drink 2026-2036.”