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Borjon Winery Review

Borjon Winery Review

Address: 11270 Shenandoah Rd Plymouth,California 95669.
Phone Number: 209-245-3087
Tasting Hours: Thurs-Mon 11:00-5:00 and by appt.

Region: Sierra Foothills AVA, Amador County, California Shenandoah Valley AVA, California
Reviewer: Yvonne Kochanowski
Review Date: 10/18/2012
Reviewer: Yvonne Kochanowski
Rating: 4

The Review

If you love luscious reds, you’ve found your new favorite place to visit! Borjón Winery (pronounced bor-hown’) lies at the north end of the Shenandoah Valley where the foothills start their abrupt climb. Everything about the winery and tasting room speaks to the family’s Mexican-American heritage and continuing influences on its wines. Don’t miss the tequila exhibit in a corner of the tasting room. Many of the wines’ names are derived from some of the same branding usually reserved for that spicy drink.

The Place: &nbspThe tasting room is comfortable and modern, with clean lines and an intimate setting that invites you to linger. The large outdoor seating area looks out over the vineyards and has an intimate view of the vineyards. Regular events, advertised on their webpage, feature homemade traditional Mexican food and music.

The Experience: &nbspWine tasting here can move as quickly or as slowly as you prefer. Tasting notes offer opportunities to enhance your own skills in picking out characteristics of the wines. Staff is knowledgeable and helpful in their explanations about grape sourcing, winemaking techniques, and the finished product, as well as the family’s unique history.

The Wines: &nbspBest known for their Zinfandels and Barberas, Borjón treats these two favorite grapes of Amador County with care. Attention is paid to the unique characteristics of the grapes from each location, either estate grown or locally sourced. The vines are primarily head-pruned, which is said to add to the intense flavor profiles of the final wines. A favorite in our tasting group was the Zinfandel Reposado, as well as the Barbera. Other varietals are produced in small case runs. In total, annual production is about 3000 cases, though that is growing steadily.

The People: &nbspOn the day we visited, the marketing manager happened to be pouring in the tasting room. From him, we learned not only about the family but also about the passion they put into the wines they make and their various wine and grape related businesses. Many members of the extended family are involved in the winery in some capacity, officially and unofficially.

Insider’s Tip: &nbspThe Borjón family name originated in France, and ancestors moved to Mexico in the 1860’s, then to the Central Valley area of California in 1980’s. It seems that they have always been involved in the grape growing and winemaking business, and the next generation has now opened the winery and tasting room. Their business will continue to grow in the coming years as their wines expand to fine dining establishments in the region. Definitely a winery to watch!