Bottle Notes

2016 Sandlands Mataro Contra Costa County – Bottle Notes

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.

Crimson in color. 13.3% ABV. Lovely nose of red fruits, baking spices, earth and flowers. Medium body with perfect acidity. Crisp and fresh. Tart cherry, cranberry, earth and minerals on the palate. Medium length on a dry finish. Unique wine that is emblematic of what Sandlands is all about. Serving at a slight chill on a warm Summer night made all the difference. Best over the next 2-4 years.

My rating: 91 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 2018 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.

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