Jay Kline

9.2

From arguably the oldest vines in California, the Mission vines at Deaver Ranch were planted by John James Davis in 1854. While the Mission variety may be considered obscure by today’s standards, back in the day, it was the common variety being cultivated in California. It’s a versatile variety which served multiple purposes. Anymore, it’s rare to find a serious dry wine made with Mission. Thankfully, Tegan Passalacqua has been known to occasionally make such a wine from these historic plantings.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2019 pours a pale garnet color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of confected cherry, watermelon Jolly Rancher®️, strawberry, rhubarb, semi-dried hay and soft minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. There is something unexplainable about how remarkable this wine is. There’s humility to it A wine full of wisdom. I wish I had more to try down the road alas, I was only allocated a single bottle. However, I am so grateful for the one and to be able to share it with some old friends and some new friends. Drink now through 2034+. — 8 days ago

Jay Kline

9.0

The fruit from this vineyard was planted in 1886 by Joseph Spenker. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2023 pours a ruby color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of fresh raspberries, lingonberries, Earl Grey, purple flowers, cool spices, and old wood. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and slightly spicy. This is one of the more elegant vintages of the Lodi Cinsault. Drink now with some air and through 2033. 13 barrels produced. — 25 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.1

Balanced and vibrant. Yay Carignane! — a month ago

with Dan, Rebecca and 1 other

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 2023 RTW Lodi pours a bright ruby color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of tart and ripe mixed fruits: blackberries, blueberries, strawberry, red rope licorice, flowers, dried green herbs, sandalwood and dry stony earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Best wine from Lodi. Incredible versatility. It just gets better and better. Bravo! Drink now through 2033+. — 3 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Better on Day 2. The 2023 pours a straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe tropical fruit: pineapple, passionfruit, starfruit, lime, wax and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. An awesome pairing with cedar plank salmon. One foudre, one puncheon and one barrel produced. Drink now through 2038. — 21 days ago

Raul Puga

9.2

Interesting and delicious — 21 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.1

I don’t usually drink Zin from Lodi but for a Sandlands wine from the 100+ yr old Kirschenmann vineyard, I’ll make an exception. Full but not jammy, gulpable and balanced. Earthy dark red berry fruit, soft texture, more-than-decent acids. Really nice. — 4 days ago

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.  — 22 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two hours. The 2022 pours a straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart orchard fruit: passion fruit, lemon, sea spray, white flowers, lanolin and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ with a wooly texture and lovely minerals. Drinking now through 2037. — a month ago

Andrew

9.6

2014 drunk in early 2025. This has finally hit its stride. Deep, leathery, savory qualities with rich dark fruit and a solid tannic grip. I’m pretty bummed that this was my last bottle.  — 3 months ago