Over the past year one of my favorite "go-to" wines has been Petra Ebo. I have never had a guest come back and say they didn't enjoy this wine...in fact just the opposite is true.

Ebo is just one of a number of spectacular wines that come to us from the Petra winery. Petra is located on the Tuscan coast in close proximity to the famed Bolgheri region, home to Sassicaiaand many of Italy's most expensive wines. Just south of Bolgheri is the Val di Corina. Only recently has the Val di Corina been recognized being awarded DOC classification in 1989 and DOCG beginning with the 2011 harvest.

While classifications and a great neighborhood don't guarantee quality, one taste of Ebo will convince you. Ebo is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot. The Cabernet gives power and structure to the wine. Merlot provides a sweet juicy character to Ebo. And the Sangiovese gives a rustic, sour cherry tang to this reliably outstanding wine.

We currently have both the 2008 and 2009 vintage available in our stores:

"The 2008 Ebo shows excellent delineation in its aromas and flavors. Espresso, grilled herbs, licorice and violets take shape beautifully in the glass, adding further layers of complexity to the dark fruit. The tannins are a bit firm at present but they should start to soften over the next year or two. This is a beautifully polished wine from Petra. 90 points" - Wine Advocate

"The 2009 Ebo is dark, brooding wine loaded with camphor, tar, licorice, smoke and black cherries. Layers of fruit power through to an intense finish laced with hints of espresso, mocha and new leather. 91points" - Wine Advocate

Paul Quaglini, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor

Follow him on Twitter @abcwinepaulq