Sandlands

Amador County Chenin Blanc

9.259 ratings
9.115 pro ratings
Amador County, Sierra Foothills, California, USA
Chenin Blanc
Turkey, Vanilla & Caramel, Fruit & Berries, Exotic Spices, Salads & Greens, Pate, Potato, Tomato-Based, Chicken, Fruit Desserts, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pungent Cheese, Squash & Root Vegetables, Goat & Feta Cheese, Cheddar & Gruyere, Sweet Potato, Yuca, Taro, Baking Spices, Chili & Hot Spicy, Nuts & Seeds, Soft Cheese, Salami & Prosciutto, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Quinoa, Shellfish, Sweet Potato
Top Notes For
Alder Yarrow

Wine Blogger Vinography

9.2

With five and change years on it, this wine is beginning its transformation. What were bright and juicy lemon and quince in youth are starting to take on more steely, herbal notes as savory and saline elements come to the fore. The color, if anything is even more youthful than before, holding a greenish tinge along with its blonde highlights. Killer acidity still reigns supreme here for complete refreshment. Gonna save a bottle or two and see where it goes in another 5 years.

With five and change years on it, this wine is beginning its transformation. What were bright and juicy lemon and quince in youth are starting to take on more steely, herbal notes as savory and saline elements come to the fore. The color, if anything is even more youthful than before, holding a greenish tinge along with its blonde highlights. Killer acidity still reigns supreme here for complete refreshment. Gonna save a bottle or two and see where it goes in another 5 years.

Apr 29th, 2021
Carl Fischer

The nose is floraly and citrusy. Flavors of Honey, beeswax, citrus, dominate the palate with a touch of minerals. Long, dry finish. Great acidity. Refreshing on a hot day.

The nose is floraly and citrusy. Flavors of Honey, beeswax, citrus, dominate the palate with a touch of minerals. Long, dry finish. Great acidity. Refreshing on a hot day.

Jun 17th, 2018
Brian Tuite

Enjoying the Winter heat wave in Sonoma County.

Enjoying the Winter heat wave in Sonoma County.

Feb 7th, 2018
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.1

Light golden yellow. Lots of citrus notes on the nose, minerality, white flowers and a little pepper touch. Medium plus acidity (6.5/10) and medium bodied. Solid minerality on the palate with lemon zest, stone fruits and a little floral. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2023.

Light golden yellow. Lots of citrus notes on the nose, minerality, white flowers and a little pepper touch. Medium plus acidity (6.5/10) and medium bodied. Solid minerality on the palate with lemon zest, stone fruits and a little floral. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2023.

Jan 20th, 2018
Stephen Solaka

Well balanced with nice acidity.

Well balanced with nice acidity.

Aug 17th, 2017
Rick Lopus

Wow

Wow

Jul 26th, 2017
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.1

Clear and medium yellow in appearance. Expressive aromas on the nose with honeysuckle, lemon curd, light touch of butter and minerality. Crisp and structured acidity (6.5/10) with a medium minus body. Layered and rich palate with lemon curd, gravel, a little bit honeyed and a little bit of pears. Long finish with lingering acidity. Drink till 2023.

Clear and medium yellow in appearance. Expressive aromas on the nose with honeysuckle, lemon curd, light touch of butter and minerality. Crisp and structured acidity (6.5/10) with a medium minus body. Layered and rich palate with lemon curd, gravel, a little bit honeyed and a little bit of pears. Long finish with lingering acidity. Drink till 2023.

1 person found it helpfulJan 2nd, 2019
David Lusby

Got to share this with friends. Meyer lemon, crisp pear, yellow apple, with white floral notes. While low in alcohol, the flavors are still showing ripe characteristics. Very good wine that made me smile.

Got to share this with friends. Meyer lemon, crisp pear, yellow apple, with white floral notes. While low in alcohol, the flavors are still showing ripe characteristics. Very good wine that made me smile.

Jul 9th, 2017
Scott Kirkpatrick

Honestly, this is one of the great American wines. Honeyed, yet ultra-fresh and bright. Just a kiss of waxy lanolin, but without a hint of being cloying. A real benchmark of American Chenin.

Honestly, this is one of the great American wines. Honeyed, yet ultra-fresh and bright. Just a kiss of waxy lanolin, but without a hint of being cloying. A real benchmark of American Chenin.

May 31st, 2017
Carl Fischer

Probably the best chenin Blanc I've had. Beautiful wine. Half the group thought it was Sauvignon Blanc and half thought it was a burgundy. I love sharing wines with folks where the varietal is not clearly guessed. For me this was closer to a Sauvignon Blanc with citrus fruits,- touch of creaminess and significant acidity. My first Sandlands and I understand now why these have been Called unicorn wines.

Probably the best chenin Blanc I've had. Beautiful wine. Half the group thought it was Sauvignon Blanc and half thought it was a burgundy. I love sharing wines with folks where the varietal is not clearly guessed. For me this was closer to a Sauvignon Blanc with citrus fruits,- touch of creaminess and significant acidity. My first Sandlands and I understand now why these have been Called unicorn wines.

May 28th, 2017