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 vineyard was planted in the 1920s in what is classified as Dehli blow sand.
Purple in color. 12.9% ABV. Subtle nose of red fruits, citrus and flowers. Medium body with ample acidity. Fresh and crisp. Dried cherries, cranberry, iron and blood orange on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Delicious wine and easy to drink. This wine has the stuffing to cellar for another 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 2020 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.