Sandlands is the personal project of Tegan and Olivia Passalacqua. Tegan is the Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Turley. The line-up encompasses some of the forgotten classic California varieties, primarily grown in decomposed granite from regions and vineyards that have been farmed for many generations but have remained the outliers of California viticulture. The wines made at Sandlands include Syrah, Trousseau, Carignane, Mataro and Chenin Blanc.
Purple in color. 13.4% ABV. Savory nose of red fruits, wet pavement, flowers and earth. Medium to full bodied with perfect acidity. Earthy with tangy fruits. Cranberry, tart cherries, earth and minerals on the palate. The finish is long with drying tannins. Well made wine that embodies the style Tegan has laid out for Sandlands. Best over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 90 points.
Seriously consider signing up for the Sandlands mailing list. Tegan has a model of unique wines at extremely fair prices from overlooked vineyards. What more can you ask for?
Sandlands fared well in The 2018 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.