Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.
The July Zinfandel of the Month is the 2019 Sandlands Zinfandel.
I chose this wine as my Zinfandel of the Month as we head into July and should start seeing releases from our favorite wineries in the near future. I expect the 2022 Sandlands Zinfandel will be on their upcoming mailer in late July or early August. Don’t miss this one!
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. 14.6% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, citrus and baking spices. Medium body with perfect acidity. Light, fresh and well balanced. Strawberry, raspberry liqueur, blood orange and a hint of pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Immensely appealing Zinfandel. Best over the next several years.
My rating: 94 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?
I might add that, in addition to being excellent examples, the Sandlands wines are very attractively priced.