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 — 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

Jason Phillips

9.2

Great nose. Light start, velvety on palate, and great finish. — a year ago

Peter Montoleone

9.0

Fruit forward and Jammy. Very delicious. — 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

P Plusquellec

9.1

This one may be a bit over the top compared to past bottles I've had — 6 years 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. — 5 months ago

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

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. 😥 — a year 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

Chris DeRenzi

8.9

2017- very earthy. Good peppery spice. Subtle dark fruit. Good tannins — 6 years ago

Donald Williams

9.4

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

with Bonnie

Donald Williams

9.5

Same as I thought 8 years ago. Sensational. — 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

Brandon Boesch

9.6

One of my faves. This is tasting awesome right now. Great acidity, light, bright fruits still, white pepper, hint of baking spice, some floral notes. So well balanced. — a year ago

Mary Ellen Bonisteel

9.1

Lovely pairs with homemade pasta — 5 years ago

Jason Budd

9.2

Lots of dark fruits with strong notes of cedar/cigar box. — 5 years ago

Lars Miller

9.4

Very muted nose, but wow! Packs a punch with spice and ripe red fruit. Lovely finish, and almost no tannins. A keeper! — 6 years ago