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. — 2 days ago

Jason Phillips

9.2

Great nose. Light start, velvety on palate, and great finish. — 4 months ago

Tom Casagrande

9.3

Truncated family party notes. This wine was so relaxed and comfortable in its skin. Deep flavors. Soft, luxurious texture. Vines this old are so quietly confident they don’t feel the need to try to impress anyone. I hope I reach this state someday. — 8 months ago

with Dan, Douglas and 2 others

DAL 9000

9.3

Toy Vineyard 2022. Nose of cherries and a hint of sweetness. Upfront cherries and dark fruit. Deep and lush. Quick almost but not sweet tannins. Excellent — 11 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. No formal notes due to the setting however, looking back on my previous notes, that assessment still applies. The 2017 Amador County continues to be an absolutely delicious expression of the variety. Drink now through 2032.  — 3 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. — 5 months ago

Theodore Krijnse Locker

9.7

Delicious. Low tannins, sweet, fruity, smooth. Blueberry, blackberry, plum jam. — 9 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! — 2 months ago

TwiLea Fletcher

8.9

07.1125
Quite quite nice. — 4 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. 😥 — 4 months ago