Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Delicious throughout. The 2016 Contra Costa County pours a deep, slightly hazy garnet/purple with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and signs of light sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart, mostly black and blue fruit: blackberries, blueberries, plums, Montmorency cherry, purple flowers, black pepper, dry gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. I’m very happy to have holed away some bottles from the first few years of Sandlands. Not only do I believe these older vintages are showing well, but I also believe his newer vintages will be even better. Drink now through 2031. — 10 days ago

Bruce Dunbar

9.2

A big wine in a big bottle that made a big group of friends very happy. The 2017 Evangelho Heritage (from magnum) is energetic with loads of sweet dark fruit. It doesn’t lack zing even though this year’s blend is short in Carignan — there are nice balancing acids and mild tannins. It is richer and riper than many vintages but still vibrant. — 2 months ago

Jason Muniz

8.9

Very good, color was just ok — 5 months ago

Doug Powers

9.1

Classic old vines Contra Costa Zinfandel, brambly, spicy, rich yet not heavy, some heat (15.2%), but it really tastes great with homemade pizza, even in high-90s heat here in NorCal!! — 4 days ago

with Jim

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Consistent throughout. The 2023 “Contra Costa County” pours, a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe mixed bramble fruit: blackberries, Marionberries, raspberries, black pepper, orange zest, menthol, and gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose where the orange citrus notes show a bit more prominently. The finish is medium+, bright and refreshing. 9 barrels produced. Drink now through 2038.  — 3 months ago

Todd Anderson

9.3

This is drinking really nice right now. Great mature fruit. Drink while it's at peak. Very nice upside surprise on a regional (vs vineyard) designated wine. Prost! — 5 months ago

Joe DAscoli

9.4

Somewhat of a dessert wine and post dinner vino. This wine held up with great fruit and complexity. Really nice follow on to 25 year old CdP and high end champagne. Held its own with good concentration and depth. — 25 days ago

Todd Anderson

9.2

I really enjoyed this bottle. It evolved steadily, improving, over a few hours. I had it on pizza night but it could easily pair well with heartier fare. Enjoy now or over the next 5+ years. — a month ago

Tom Casagrande

9.1

Balanced and vibrant. Yay Carignane! — 4 months ago

with Dan, Rebecca and 1 other

John Willison

9.2

Crushed red and blue fruit, earthy, berry compote finish. — 6 months ago