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 — 3 months ago
07.1125
Quite quite nice. — 6 months ago
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 months ago
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. 😥 — 6 months ago

Thanksgiving Dinner at Gary’s. Perfect wine for the occasion. — a month ago
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! — 4 months ago
Great nose. Light start, velvety on palate, and great finish. — 6 months ago
Ed Chin
A well made wine with plenty of time still. GSM’s just don’t do anything for me at the moment. — 8 days ago