(Re)discover the OG - Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - The Corkscrew Concierge™ (2024)

• Kat
• August 29, 2024
• No Comments

After hearing about the region, but not really being in the know, I finally got to experience the quite impressive Livermore Valley wine region. And I loved it! One thing I didn’t fully appreciate until visiting and talking to the winemakers is how Livermore Valley really is a region of “firsts.” It is the oldest wine region in CA, won America’s first international gold medal for wine at the Paris Exposition (it wasn’t Napa!), and was the first to introduce varietal-labeled Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Petite Sirah. Beyond that, Livermore Valley is also the basis for much of America’s Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Around 80% of California’s Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon vines trace their genetic lineage back to Wente and Concannon clones propagated there. 80%! Just think about that. It’s mind boggling when I think about Cabernet Sauvignon (we’ll talk about the Chardonnay another time) which is the holy grail for so many, having its origins in Livermore. Without Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, where would the U.S. wine industry be?

Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Origins

Luckily, we don’t have to wonder. We have the foundations laid by Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and we should all be grateful for that. During my visit, I got to see THE Mother Vineyard. Concannon’s1893 Margaux Mother Vine Vineyard is truly a piece of American history. This vineyard is home to extremely rare, Concannon Margaux heritage clones that were propagated from Château Margaux vines (you know that famous Bordeaux First Growth) and imported by James Concannon.

How the Livermore Valley Clone Became the Primary CA Clone

In 1965, from these original “Concannon Mother Vines,” Jim Concannon partnered with UC Davis to develop Concannon Cabernet Clones 7, 8, and 11. These clones soon became the industry standard and served as the foundation of California’s, including Napa Valley’s, Cabernet Sauvignon. These clones were instrumental in helping California Cabernet Sauvignon achieve international recognition.

Case in point, the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where the 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded the highest red wine score above the likes of famous First Growths Château Mouton-Rothschild and Château Haut-Brion. After that, the Concannon Clones quickly became an essential part the tremendous expansion of Cabernet Sauvignon plantings that ensued from the 1970s to the present. Today, an estimated 80% of California’s 90,000 acres of Cabernet are planted to the Concannon Clones.

Why You Should Drink Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Because they are damn good. I saw a stat recently in the San Francisco Chronicle that indicated that the average bottle of wine in Napa Valley was around $104. $104! The article also indicated that the average visit per day in Napa is $281 with the average tasting $75. If Cab is your jam and you drink it on the regular, prices like that add up quickly. Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers amazing quality at a fraction of the cost. I was truly blown away with the quality wines I tried that I knew nothing about!

And I can promise you that it doesn’t cost that much to visit and taste. During my trip, I stayed in the very charming town of Pleasanton, but also got to explore the town of Livermore. It never ceases to amaze me how much I love these charming towns out west. I enjoy that they are laid back, void of pretentiousness, and truly have so much to offer. Pleasanton was once a Wild West hideout that’s now filled with tons of charm by way of great eateries, retail therapy, art galleries, and outdoor activities. Livermore had a little more going on and more of a modern vibe, but still exuded charm. It’s definitely on the list of places that I must come back to with Mr. Corkscrew. This is our kind of place.

Some Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Wines to Try:

3 Steves Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ($48)

Concannon Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Mother Vine ($46)

Cuda Ridge Wines Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($70)

JMC Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon ($49)

McGrail Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($49)

Page Mill Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ($38)

Steven Kent Winery Lencioni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($70)

Wente Vineyards Wetmore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($35)

My experience in Livermore Valley was certainly eye opening and so enjoyable. I can’t wait to discover more.