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.
Bright crimson in color. 12.9% ABV. Equal parts Cinsault from Bechtold Vineyard, Carignane from Spenker Ranch and Zinfandel from Kirschenmann Vineyard. Savory nose of red fruits, baking spices, rose petals and freshly tilled soil. Medium body with medium acidity. Fresh and crisp with earthy fruits. Strawberry, cranberry, pomegranate and minerals on the palate. The finish is soft and supple. Delicious and easy to drink. Best over the next several years.
My rating: 89 points.
The 2025 version of this wine will be released early next year.
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?