Tegan Passalacqua has developed quite the following since leaving Turley Vineyards in 2010.  He now heads the production of his own project, Sandlands, where he has the freedom to marry his passion for small-batch winemaking with his experience with some of the best California terroir. He knows his way around Zinfandel, and has gained access to some of the best old vines in dry sandy sites. Tegan is now able to produce balanced California reds that harken back to the original style from before the region became known only for gigantic Cabernet Sauvignons. 

This equal-parts blend of Zinfandel, Cinsault, and Carignane is dry and incredibly drinkable despite being made with varietals known for heavier wines.  It's evocative of the sandy desert landscape, with notes of salty sun-dried black cherries, orange zest, and shrubby arroyo, accented by bright purple floral tones and balanced by refreshing acidity on the palate. 

Grapes:  Cinsault from Bechthold Vineyard (Planted 1886), Carignane from Spenker Ranch (Planted 1900) and Zinfandel from Kirschenmann Vineyard (Planted 1915)

Viticulture: Sustainable, Dry-farmed

Soils: Granite sands deposited by wind and water

Pairings: Mesquite-smoked ribs, Southwestern burger