ESF

9.3

reminded me of a 90s Zin - where I first fell in love drinking Farrell & Franus, Swan & Storybook, Ridge & Ravenswood - seemed like great Zins were everywhere & price accessible... despite the age, this was still inky w/wafting aromas of black & red fruit, beautifully ripe & generous w/peppery, spicy accents. Rich suave and med+ bodied w/all the fruit & pepper/spice from nose, well balanced acidity, harmonious - incredible length on finish. Theft at $22 — 9 days ago

romo

9.2

Works with sushi. Savory tarragon, weightless. — a month ago

TwiLea Fletcher

8.9

07.1125
Quite quite nice. — 7 months ago

Tom Casagrande

9.3

Deep, rich berry nose accented by animal, feral notes. Not necessarily prototypical Zin characteristics. But really nice. On the palate, however, it’s more typical. Earthy, sandstoney blackberry fruit, really nice balance of richness, acids, and tannin. Very long finish. I love the Zins from this vineyard, but I think I heard somewhere this is the last vintage they’re making from here. 😥 — 7 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Best on Day 2. The 2023 Amador County pours a bright, deep straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart orchard fruit: peach, lemon, tangerine, white flowers, lanolin, and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is waxy. Obviously young but I can’t help but feel that these Chenin’s from Tegan just keep getting better and better. Drink now through 2039. — 19 days 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. — a month ago

Jason Phillips

9.2

Great nose. Light start, velvety on palate, and great finish. — 7 months ago

Donald Williams

9.4

Year after year, outstanding Barbera from Scott Harvey. — 15 days ago

with Bonnie

Donald Williams

9.5

Same as I thought 8 years ago. Sensational. — 15 days 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. — 3 months ago