At a glance

Producer

Sandlands Winery

Region

Mendocino County, California, USA

Grape variety

Carignane

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-$35

Tasting profile

Red cherry and dark berry fruit with spice, herbal notes, and a hint of earthiness.

Evolution: Will develop richer, more complex leather, tobacco, and forest floor aromas with age.

At peak: Balanced fruit and savory characteristics with softened tannins and vibrant acidity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high

Tannins

Medium

Alcohol

13.5%-14%

Aging potential

8-10 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2029

Optimal window

2024 to 2030

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Developing tertiary aromas, tannins softening

Carignane is known for medium to high acidity and moderate tannins. In a quality vintage like 2021 and a region like Mendocino known for balanced climate, this wine can mature gracefully over 8-10 years, gaining complexity while maintaining vibrancy.

Food pairing

Pairs well with roasted lamb, grilled sausages, mushroom risotto, and hard cheeses like aged Manchego.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To allow tannins to soften and aromas to open up.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Sandlands Winery employs water conservation techniques, solar energy for winery operations, minimal intervention winemaking, and uses light-weight glass bottles to reduce packaging impact.

Sandlands follows sustainable farming principles with certification, emphasizes renewable energy and water use efficiency for operations, and uses eco-conscious packaging. These efforts contribute to a below-average carbon footprint compared to global wines.