Sandlands Contra Costa County Red Table Wine 2020
Ratings on Delectable
David Shaw 
Lavender, blackberry and a little funk in nose in initial pour. Dense ruby red. Light body, slight skin astringency finish. Needs some time to open. Fairly tart. Raspberry flavor emerges first, then cherry. 24 hours later, fresh table grape character and seed tannins predominate. This is a solid light tasting table red with plenty of tannins for aging. I do find I miss the Zinfandel portion from earlier vintages but get more bottles of these and the style will grow on you
Lavender, blackberry and a little funk in nose in initial pour. Dense ruby red. Light body, slight skin astringency finish. Needs some time to open. Fairly tart. Raspberry flavor emerges first, then cherry. 24 hours later, fresh table grape character and seed tannins predominate. This is a solid light tasting table red with plenty of tannins for aging. I do find I miss the Zinfandel portion from earlier vintages but get more bottles of these and the style will grow on you
9.0
Delectable Wine
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The 2020 Red Wine (Contra Costa County) is notable because of its complexity. Nothing in particular stands out, all the elements are so harmoniously put together. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and menthol are some of the notes that open with a bit of air, but more than anything, I admire the energy and delineation leading into a finish of real substance. The blend is 65% Carignane and 35% Mataro. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023)
The 2020 Red Wine (Contra Costa County) is notable because of its complexity. Nothing in particular stands out, all the elements are so harmoniously put together. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and menthol are some of the notes that open with a bit of air, but more than anything, I admire the energy and delineation leading into a finish of real substance. The blend is 65% Carignane and 35% Mataro. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023)
9.2
Tom Kobylarz
Crunchy and fresh red fruits this was great over 4 nights going back and forth to it. Simple but well made, the acidity have this nice energy.
Crunchy and fresh red fruits this was great over 4 nights going back and forth to it. Simple but well made, the acidity have this nice energy.
8.8
Jay Kline
First experience with the 2020 Contra Costa County RTW. Popped and poured for our guests; enjoyed over a four hour period. The RTW pours a deep ruby with a near opaque core and moderate staining of the tears. Medium viscosity. On the nose, bright, crunchy, red bramble, fruit dominate. Very primary. This is consistent with the freshness I have come to expect from Sandlands. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the bright red bramble fruit combining nicely with minerals. The most striking characteristic, however, is the structure. This is far and away the most tannic RTW from Sandlands yet. I feel as though this example may need some time to chill out to show its very best but the quality is there and it’s already a joy to drink. This years example consists of 65% Carignane and the balance Mataro planted a little over 100 years ago. 12 barrels produced.
First experience with the 2020 Contra Costa County RTW. Popped and poured for our guests; enjoyed over a four hour period. The RTW pours a deep ruby with a near opaque core and moderate staining of the tears. Medium viscosity. On the nose, bright, crunchy, red bramble, fruit dominate. Very primary. This is consistent with the freshness I have come to expect from Sandlands. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the bright red bramble fruit combining nicely with minerals. The most striking characteristic, however, is the structure. This is far and away the most tannic RTW from Sandlands yet. I feel as though this example may need some time to chill out to show its very best but the quality is there and it’s already a joy to drink. This years example consists of 65% Carignane and the balance Mataro planted a little over 100 years ago. 12 barrels produced.
9.1
