romo

9.2

First vintage post-RPM, immensely enjoyable ten years on. As in Beaujolais, this CA interpretation is losing its original energy over time, but maintains its own signature profile. — 21 days ago

Donald Williams

9.4

Year after year, outstanding Barbera from Scott Harvey. — 3 months ago

with Bonnie

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. — 4 months 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! — 19 days ago

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. — 3 months ago

Donald Williams

9.5

Same as I thought 8 years ago. Sensational. — 3 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. — 6 months ago

David Dorn

9.2

Bug wine and first Tempranillo outside of Spain I’ve had- really good stuff! — 12 days ago

Jamie Amann

9.0

Had a ruby color. Smelled like red berries and tasted like cherry or blackberry. — 2 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. — 4 months ago