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 Deaver Vineyard in the Shenandoah Valley in the Amador Foothills. Deaver Vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in North America planted in 1854.
The color is striking. Just barely light red. 13.2% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, citrus and rose petals. Light body with just the right amount of acidity. Fresh and charming with ample upfront fruits. Strawberry, cranberry, orange rind and earth on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Thought provoking wine that is a glimpse into a previous era of grape growing in the Amador Foothills. Best over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 92 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.