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 and Chenin Blanc.
The fruit for this wine was sourced from Bohan Vineyard in Cazadero on the Sonoma Coast.
A red wine does not get much lighter in color than this example from Sandlands. 12.4% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, earth, minerals and tea. Light body with fresh, vibrant acidity. Remarkably light and lithe on the palate. Flavors of dried cherry, strawberry, cranberry and earth. Medium length on the finish. Such a unique and riveting wine. Best over the next several years.
My rating: 91 points.
Seriously consider signing up for the Sandlands mailing list. Tegan has a model of exceptional wines at extremely fair prices from impeccable vineyards. What more can you ask for?
Sandlands fared well in The 2018 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.