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, Chenin Blanc and at long last a Zinfandel from Kirschenmann Vineyard.
The fruit for this wine was sourced from Bohan Vineyard in Cazadero on the Sonoma Coast.
So light in color. Ruby red specifically. 12.4% ABV. Beguiling nose of red fruits, black tea, flowers and forest floor. Light to medium body with nice acidity. Crisp and fresh when served at cellar temperature. Bing cherry, cranberry, spice and earth on the palate. Medium length on the finish. Charming wine that is exceptionally easy to drink. Best over the next 1-2 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 2020 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.