Up and comming Zinfandels in Amador, California

In August of 2004 I was in Northern California and I knew I wanted to check out a few wineries. While I was thinking of going to Napa or Sonoma, a very good friend of mine told me to go to the Amador Valley area. I knew that Amador had a small winery base, but I had been away from NorCal for so long that I did not know how much the Amador region had matured. My friend assured me that the wines from Amador were excellent and the in-winery experience in Amador was much more personal. This friend is one of my oldest, most trusted friends and his taste in wine and fine food is very respectable, so I took his advice. He said that I had to go to Sobon winery—for it was one of the best and he personally knew the owner.

Amador Valley is on the Western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The grass of the softly rolling hills are baked California golden brown and are dotted with hearty scrub oaks.

I went to Amador on a warm, very sunny weekday. The drive was leisurely down California Highway 16. While the drive to Amador is not as spectacular as going to Napa or Sonoma, you are rewarded once you reach the old prospecting town of Plymouth. The town has kept its rugged western outpost feel. Once through the town, make a hard right to go up into the hills, and it’s pure wine country from there on.

I arrived at Sobon just after midday. When I left the car I remarked at how hot and dry it was. This was a large contrast to Napa, which tends to be cooled by the coastal weather patterns. I wondered how grapes would hold up to this almost brutally dry heat.

The Sobon Winery is in an old white wash structure. Its court yard is a collection of old wine making and farm equipment. Inside is a spacious dimly lit tasting room and gift shop. It was quiet. I was the only person there.

One of the owners was behind the tasting bar and she readied a flight for me to sample. I started with their Cab, because Cabs are my favorite. She next poured their ReZerve zinfandel. I told her I was not a big fan of zins and she assured me that I would like it. She also explained that Amador was known for zinfandel and that its hot, dry climate was perfect for this grape. Well, after one sip I was convinced she was right and became a Zinfandel fan. It was both bold and refreshingly fruity. I bought several bottles. She told me that the family owned another winery down the road and I should check it out.

Sobon Winery Courtyard

Sobon’s sister winery, Shenandoah Vineyards was a contrast in character. The winery gift shop and tasting bar was contemporary and brightly lit. There were several people looking around. I bought a tasting here as well. The wine that struck me the most was their barbera. It is a gold medal winning wine and I could tell. It is one of the best wines I have ever had!.

There are many more vineyards and wineries in the Amador area. I did not have enough time to go to any more (believe me though, the next time I am out there, I will visit my old favorites and a few new). To find out more, check out the Amador Vintner’s Association webpage.

If you have the fortune to take a trip to Napa or Sonoma, make a point to do a day trip to Amador. You will be surprised and rewarded.