Sandlands

Contra Costa County Mataro 2023

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of three days. Best on Day 3 though, this was pretty tasty throughout. The 2023 Mataro CCC pours a pretty ruby/purple color with a magenta rim; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of tart and ripe, black and red fruit: blackberries, raspberries, black pepper, dried thyme, gentle warm spices and wet 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+. Fresh and full of life. An awesome pairing with lamb/beef kofta and tabouli. Drink now through 2038. — 22 days ago

Tom, Somm and 9 others liked this

Tom Casagrande

That does sound like a great pairing.

Sandlands

Contra Costa County Carignane 2023

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. — 2 months ago

Daniel, Ira and 11 others liked this

Azul y Garanza

Viura 2023

Kristen Grimes

8.9

Subtle floral and nutty aromas, very crisp and clean on the palate with some mild citrus acid. — 2 months ago

Laura liked this

Marisa Cuomo

Furore Bianco Costa d'Amalfi Falanghina Biancolella

Clay Bullwinkel

9.3

Superb, minerals, herbs, saline — a day ago

Three Wine Company

Contra Costa County Old Vines Zinfandel 2019

Doug Powers

9.0

Ripe plum and also redfruit aromas and flavors, hides the ABV (15.2%) well, nice richness and depth, longish finish, lovely old vines Zinfandel! — 20 days ago

with Jim

Tom, Bob and 2 others liked this

Tom Casagrande

I used to buy Three’s CCC bottlings of Zin and Rhône varietals a lot around 10 years ago but stopped because I started getting tired of the 15+ alc levels. Other wineries source the wonderful sandy old vineyards there too but pick a tad earlier. (Although some like Sandlands pick a little earlier than I’d prefer.) it’s not that I didn’t like the Three versions but that I like the others better.

Doug Powers

@Tom Casagrande, I totally hear you on the ABV, this one hid it well, but as it’s a 2019 and showed a fair amount of maturity, I intend to drink my other bottles before the fruit drops too much more!