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 days ago

John Smith

9.0

Excellent. — 5 years ago

Sean callahan

9.0

Very smooth and full bodied. Hints of cherry. — 7 years ago

Steve Somermeyer

8.9

Nice Zin aromas and very clean finish but the fruit senses seemed a bit unripe. Still enjoyable. — 10 months ago

Cody LaRocque

10

Amazing and cheap — 5 years ago

with Douglas

Lars Miller

9.1

You can smell the alcohol on this one. Ripe berry nose, with mint, fennel, and licorice. Wow. $15 from Village Corner. — 5 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.3

Fairly fruity on the nose. Hint of black pepper and something earthy/mineral. Flavor is very dry. Dried strawberries and red vines. Classic jammy Zin thing. Some pomegranate molasses perhaps. Fresh and zinfulliciuos. Plenty of tannin to give it more bite than Zin usually achieves. Complex. True. Enjoyable. — 7 years ago

Mary Ellen Bonisteel

9.1

Lovely pairs with homemade pasta — 4 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

8.9

Convenient screw-top. Lovely golden hue. Smells of lemon peels and flowers. White flowers. Flavors are striking. Resin, apples, tart (not sweet) citrus. Loquat? Slight butter (or butterscotch). This is white to bring out for fancy, fun winos. — 5 years ago

Roberta Kallina

9.3

Loved the smooth fruity flavors. — 6 years ago