The Petroni 'Poggio alla Pietra' 2018 is a ripe, robust, and complex 100% Sangiovese from organically farmed vineyards growing above Sonoma Valley in the Moon Mountain AVA. This must be one of the best spots to grow Sangiovese in California, for Petroni's rendition is perfumed and full of rich, succulent fruit flavours, which in this vintage reveal black currants laced with Asian spices, and spiced plums that intermix with savoury cedar-wood notes. Very present, elongated tannins build on the deeply earthy finish tinged with tobacco leaf and bay laurel. Olive groves surround wine caves near the Poggio alla Pietra estate vineyard, which translates to 'Hill of Stone'—founded by the late Lorenzo Petroni. The winemaker is New Zealand native Martin Mackenzie. (JC)