Living so close to so many wine regions in Northern California is both fantastic and a bit dangerous. My full wine chiller would attest to that fact… LOL. A wine you’ll find there is the Sobon Estate Winery Cougar Hill Zinfandel.
One of the areas we frequent is the Amador Wine Region located in the foothills of the Sierras. It has great vineyards, gorgeous views and other attractions that are worthy of a day trip. One such attraction is the Shenandoah Vineyards and Sobon Estate Winery.
Sobon Estate Winery
Cougar Hill Zinfandel
Shenandoah Vineyards and Sobon Estate Winery are 39-year-old, family-owned wineries that were established in 1977 and 1989, respectively.
The Sobon Estate Winery was the Shenandoah Vineyards vintner’s second winery, a present for the vintner’s wife. This vineyard was chosen for its history, its existing vineyards, and its natural beauty. The land was once the D’Agostini Winery, a historic area and one of the oldest in the state designated as a California State Historic Landmark. They retained the old Zinfandel vines, replanting other areas with the best varietals and grape clones available. The Sobon Estate WInes now include Rhone varietals, Zinfandels, and dessert wines.
Sobon Estate Wines use estate grown grapes to emphasize high fruit and low tannins in their wines. They’re very proud of the fact that their wines reflect the unique Shenandoah Valley terroir. What that means is the wine reflects the natural environment in which a particular wine is produced. This includes factors such as the soil, topography, and climate. The characteristics of each of these factors are reflected in the taste and flavor of the wine from the environment in which the grapes are produced.
These vintners have focused on increasing a commitment to sustainable farming practices. Along with green agricultural practices, the winery collects 100% of their operation’s electricity from their solar panel system. If you have an electric vehicle, you’re now able to charge your car compliments of their solar panels at no cost. Another great benefit when visiting Sobon Estates Winery is enjoying their museum or a picnic in their pictorial outdoor area and, of course, tasting some of their wine offerings. How cool is that?
This is what the winemaker has to say about their Sobon Estate Winery Cougar Hill Zinfandel:
“This is a very stylish and likable wine. It has forward aromas of fresh baked oatmeal cookies, with undertones of licorice and mint chocolate. The flavors are rich, full, and reminiscent of ripe, dusty blackberries and cranberry juice. The finish is crisp and lingering. Serve with grilled foods or pasta dishes.”
You can find Sobon Estate Winery Cougar Hill Zinfandel on their website, at bevmo.com, some CostPlus/World Market locations, totalwine.com, wine.com, or many good wine purveyors. Just ask for it.
The Sobon Estate Winery Cougar Hill Zinfandel is a lovely wine, especially if you’re a zinfandel fan. Sobon Estate Winery itself is a delightful day trip from where we live. With a picnic basket and my camera in hand and adding the Amador Flower Farm to part of that day trip, you have a great adventure for anyone who happens along with you.
Time for a glass…
If you enjoyed reading about “Sobon Estate Winery Cougar Hill Zinfandel,” check out Renwood Old Vine Zinfandel, Story Winery, and Fiddletown Cellars Old Vine Zinfandel.
P.S.: Check out a few of my favorite wine tools and resources below. 🙂