2016 Sandlands Carignan Contra Costa

The 2016 Carignan is bright, punchy and distinctive, with tons of varietal character. Succulent red cherry, plum, tobacco, menthol, licorice and leather are pushed forward in this racy, pliant Carignan. There is a directness to the Carignan that is impossible to resist. As is the case with most of these wines, the 100% whole clusters are not at all evident, except perhaps in the wine's structural feel. The purity and density of the 2016 is striking.