Sandlands 2022 Cinsault, Lodi

Sandlands’ 2022 Cinsault opens softly but stakes its claim. The nose unfolds like early spring—raspberry, cherry skin, rose petal, and orange peel drift in a subtle, layered swirl. It’s precise rather than emotional, drawing you closer rather than demanding attention. 

On the palate, the fruit stays lively—cranberry, pomegranate, red bramble—all underlined by cooling spice and a whisper of lavender. There’s a mineral thread—granite and loam—that gives bite to sweetness, and tannins that are gentle but persistent. The blend of silk and structure keeps this wine agile and focused.

The vineyard’s roots go deep—literally. These own‑rooted, dry‑farmed vines were planted in 1886, on sandy‑granite soils that Sandlands has always leaned into. That context—that layering of history, grit, and clarity—makes the wine obvious, not flashy. It speaks to the place, not the technique. 

This is a Cinsault that feels like air—light on its feet, yet unmistakably present. It pulls back just enough to stay elegant, even in its brightness. If you’re looking for drive without force, this is the one.