I’m glad to see more of this variety standing alone on front labels in California. Carignan is a wonderful grape when shepherded by good hands in the winery, and Jim Hart has a set of good hands. This wine is situated on the bright side of the spectrum, with cherry, blueberry, easy oak spice and great acidity that pushes the finish well. I’d age this a while to more fully integrate the oak, but I’m picky that way. Decant well if you go in early, and enjoy. A Double Gold Award winner at the 2020 Toast of the Coast International Wine Competition.
Volcan Mountain Winery, San Diego County (California) Carignan 2017
By Rich Cook