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.
Kirschenmann Vineyard is situated on the East Side of Lodi’s Mokelumne River AVA and was planted in 1915.
Ruby red in color. 14.2% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, citrus and earth. Medium body with perfect acidity. Crisp and fresh with an abundance of tart fruits. Cranberry, pomegranate, blood orange and earth on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Delicious and easy to drink but I confess a preference for the 2019. Best over the next several years.
My rating: 91 points.
The 2022 vintage will be released to the mailing list later this month.
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.