03 Jun Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Post & Vine 2019 Carignane, Sandy Lane Vineyard, Contra Costa County

Post & Vine produces Carignane from three different vineyards, each with its own personality and sense of place. This week, I chose the Contra Costa County bottling from Sandy Lane Vineyard, a site with deep roots and a long history with this underappreciated grape. From its bright fruit to its savory character, the Post & Vine 2019 Carignane from Sandy Lane Vineyard is the Please The Palate Wine of the Week.

About Post & Vine

Post & Vine was founded by winemaker Rebekah Wineburg, who focuses on producing small-lot wines from historic California vineyards. Her work centers on preserving heritage sites and showcasing the character of older vines that might otherwise be overlooked. By sourcing fruit from long-standing vineyards and farming partners who share her commitment to sustainability and quality, Wineburg creates wines that tell the story of place. Many of these vineyards are dry-farmed and planted decades ago, some even more than a century ago, resulting in fruit with depth, structure, and personality.

The fruit for this wine comes from Sandy Lane Vineyard in Contra Costa County, located just east of the San Francisco Bay. The vineyard has been farmed by the Gonsalves family since the 1930s and is currently managed by Gary Gonsalves. What makes this site especially remarkable is its own-rooted Carignane vines planted in 1888. The vines grow in very deep, free-draining sandy soils and are dry-farmed, relying entirely on natural rainfall rather than irrigation. Warm daytime temperatures are balanced by cool afternoon breezes from the Bay, helping the grapes maintain freshness and balance. These conditions produce wines with both concentration and energy.

Tasting Notes

The Post & Vine 2019 Carignane is made from hand-harvested whole cluster grapes that undergo spontaneous fermentation. The wine is then aged for 18 months in neutral oak barrels, and is then bottled without fining or filtration. The wine opens with aromas of red berries with subtle spice and earth notes. The palate balances bright acidity and a savory edge. The wine is structured but fresh with energy and lift that reflects the sandy soils.

Food Pairing

Carignane is one of those grapes that thrives at the table, thanks to its natural acidity and balanced structure. Carignane pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and dishes with herbs or spices. I enjoyed the wine with some BBQ brisket, air-fried potatoes, and green beans. The wine had enough body and structure to match the fattiness of the meat without overpowering it and the acidity of the wine cut through it.

Where To Purchase

Only 82 cases were produced of the 2019 Post & Vine Contra Costa County Carignane which retails for $24 and can be purchased directed at Post & Vine.