Donald Williams

9.4

Scott makes such wonderful Barbera. — 19 days ago

with Bonnie

Jonathan Wall

9.1

Taste like the Sierra Foothills smell. Had a sustained maturity… not over mature… just seemed the way it was meant to be. — 5 months ago

Donald Williams

9.4

Year after year, outstanding Barbera from Scott Harvey. — 5 months ago

with Bonnie

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Sobon Estate – REZERVE Primitivo 2022
Amador County, California 🇺🇸

Overview
From the Sierra Foothills, Sobon Estate showcases the raw power of Primitivo (genetically identical to Zinfandel). This high-alcohol (15% ABV) 100% primitivo goodness shows bold, spicy, and deliciously concentrated wine that screams food pairings!

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry jam, ripe plum, and dark cherry layered with cinnamon, peppercorn, cedar, and toasted oak. Vanilla and smoky mocha notes dominate the background, making it rich and intense.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with gripping tannins and a fiery core of alcohol warmth. The oak is pronounced, giving structure but also leaning into a woody, spicy personality.

Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye with black pepper, spicy Italian sausage, BBQ short ribs, and aged cheddar cheese.

Verdict
A big, boisterous Primitivo for those who love power, spice, and oak influence. Not subtle—this is a wine that makes its presence felt, perfect for bold food pairings and hearty palates.

Did You Know?
Primitivo and Zinfandel are essentially the same grape, both tracing their DNA back to Croatia’s indigenous Crljenak Kaštelanski. Amador County’s hot, dry climate brings out Primitivo’s fullest, richest expression. — 8 months ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.1

The 2021 Smash City is bright and floral with a wild blend of crushed strawberries, dusty rose, citrus and spice. This is juicy and fruit-focused, with crisp red berries elevated by traces of citrus under an air of violet inner florals. The Smash City cleans up beautifully, full of energy and perfumed, leaving the palate nicely refreshed. This lively Pinot Noir is produced with all Bien Nacido fruit. (Eric Guido, Vinous, May 2023) — 3 years ago

Maggie Harrison

9.4

yes, this is a photo of a computer image. tasted as part of a Mourvèdre wine group tasting via zoom, wines portioned into woozies. 2018v. super aromatic, raspberry/cranberry juice, fresh leather, violet. palate texture is silky, light but complex and flavorful, acid medium +, long tannins- just a bit of grip. fantastic — 5 years ago

David Dorn

9.2

Bug wine and first Tempranillo outside of Spain I’ve had- really good stuff! — 2 months ago

Hamilton Schwartz

9.0

Passover 26 — 3 months ago

Austin Hohnke

9.2

Beast! Big, burly, brooding, and bawesome.
Rich and gamey with smoky olive brine and savory layers of earth. Tucking a couple away. — 5 months ago

Ed Chin

9.0

A well made wine with plenty of time still. GSM’s just don’t do anything for me at the moment. — 6 months ago

DAL 9000

9.1

Ruby brick color. Aroma of sour cherries. Dusty sour cherries with a hint of sweet raspberries. Then fades to an earthiness tannic finish. Old world style! — 10 months ago

Peter Montoleone

9.0

Fruit forward and Jammy. Very delicious. — 3 years ago

MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET

Owner TomeVinos wine shops, WSET Level 3, Blogger www.spanishwinesandmore.com, blog.tomevinos.com

9.2

Yummy. Super floral. #grenache #garnacha #mourvedre #viognier #syrah — 5 years ago

Jose Lorenzo

9.2

Turley always takes me back to St. Croix with my dear friend @John Greer
Cheers sir. Miss Galangal with you! — 2 months ago

Jamie Amann

9.0

Had a ruby color. Smelled like red berries and tasted like cherry or blackberry. — 4 months ago

Donald Williams

9.6

A great year for both Barbera and Syrah. As usual, Scott nailed it. — 5 months ago

with Bonnie

Donald Williams

9.6

Thanksgiving Dinner at Gary’s. Perfect wine for the occasion. — 7 months ago

with Bonnie

TwiLea Fletcher

8.9

07.1125
Quite quite nice. — a year ago

Mary Ellen Bonisteel

9.1

Lovely pairs with homemade pasta — 5 years ago

Oliver N

9.3

Tart black cherry, anise, pine and alpine vibes, high acidity, low spicy tannins.
A beautiful Cali Barbera with the acidity and spice of Piemonte, with the high toned fruit of California sunshine. I love! — 5 years ago