After spending hours on the keyboard, with intricate spreadsheets, short spoofs, and annoying emails, I drove an hour from the BevMo! Service Center (a.k.a. Corporate Headquarters) in Concord, to the cool and now sophisticated town of Livermore. Not a long drive, but one that brought me back to a place that I haven't visited in quite sometime. This was the night that the family of Jim Concannon wanted to celebrate his 80th Birthday. It was not going to be a stuffy affair, but one in which his family, close friends, industry VIP's were simply going to join the man in a fun, comfortable evening. As soon as I arrived, with the sun squarely in my eyes, I knew it was just going to be fun.As I signed in, I was handed a glass of delicious Concannon Chardonnay. The sky was so bright that I couldn't even see the vintage, but I drank it nonetheless. After conservations with Fred and Evan Swan as well as many others, I went to the real star of the evening- Petite Sirah. That wine was even more delicious. As sun began to set, I spoke with many other luminaries in the business. At some point, though none of us were in a rush, dinner was served.
Heading to our assigned seats, I found myself with a group of pals (actually every table had nifty folks). The food and wine flawlessly presented. First the 2010 Concannon Vineyard Reserve Viognier- nicely aromatic and well balanced. It was followed by the 2007 Concannon Vineyard Captain Joe's Petite Sirah. Couple with spicy, grilled chicken, the wine was a real hit in my notebook. The dinner's conclusion unveiled a new wine in honor of Jim Concannon- 2009 Concannon Conservancy Crimson & Clover- a blend of Petite Sirah, Cabernet, Syrah and Zinfandel. John Concannon spoke eloquently has he presented the wine in his dad's honor. Served with a trio of cheeses, the wine was pretty fine and show another side of Petite Sirah and how it marries with other varietals.
During the evening, a few guest speakers recounted stories about the birthday boy and how his pioneering spirit gave Petite Sirah its prominence. I simply dined with my pals and toasted to the greatness of the varietal. The evening had so much going on that I have yet to put it all together into print or photographs, but one memory I will always have of this evening is seeing the joy of the Concannon family and remembering the delicious flavors of Petite Sirah. Happy 80th Birthday, Jim
