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.
Crimson in color. 13% ABV. Equal parts Bechthold Vineyard Cinsault, Spenker Ranch Carignane and Kirschenmann Vineyard Zinfandel. Charming nose of red fruits, earth and flowers. Medium body with medium acidity. Crisp, fresh and easy to drink. Tart cherry, cranberry and earth on the palate. Super tasty and hard to beat for the price. Best over the next year or so.
My rating: 89 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.