The 2008 Petra comes alive in the glass with layers of blueberry jam, spices, minerals and flowers. This Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend possesses striking inner perfume and fabulous balance in a rich, textured style that is highly appealing. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame the vibrant finish. Petra spent 18 months in French oak barrels, 80% new. To be released in April 2012. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. Importer: TMT USA, Inc., Manhasset, NY; tel. (210) 316-0106

The 2007 Petra (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) comes across as quite a bit fresher and more vibrant than the all-Merlot Quercegobbe. Blackberry and blueberry jam, cassis, herbs, graphite and beautifully integrated French oak meld together in a rich, textured fabric of notable class. This is a prototypical radiant wine from Tuscany’s Maremma. The long, silky finish achieves plenty of richness while avoiding heaviness. This is a gem from Petra. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. Petra is one of my favorite properties for intense, flavorful wines from the Suvereto district in Maremma.Importer: TMT USA, Inc., Manhasset, NY; tel. (210) 316-0106

The 2006 Petra (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) offers up an array of dark plums, blackberries, spices, minerals and French oak in a style that manages to achieve notable concentration while remaining light on its feet. The opulence of the fruit balances the wine’s firm tannins all the way to the long finish. The wine can be enjoyed today, but readers who prefer additional layers of tertiary complexity will want to cellar this for at least 2-3 years. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2021. Petra is based in Suvereto, one of the warmer microclimates in Tuscany’s Maremma. In 2006, the region enjoyed a spectacular vintage, as is evident in these fine new releases. The Merlot Quercegobbe in particular is a gem.Importer: Blavod Extreme, Franklin, TN; tel. (615) 771-9111

The 2004 Petra is a big wine endowed with dark fruit, licorice, new leather and grilled herbs that emerge from its powerful, massive frame. Today it comes across as remarkably primary. Still the potential is clearly there for outstanding drinking once the wine comes together in bottle. It is a terrific effort. Petra is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot aged in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. This is a very solid set of new releases from Petra, a young property in Suvereto.Importer: Blavod Extreme, Franklin, TN; tel. (615) 771-9111

Varietal notes take a back seat with the 2003 Petra. This super-ripe, sumptuous wine possesses tons of dark fruit intermingled with sweet toasted oak on a soft-textured frame. The tannins are very well-integrated considering the vintage, and this wine comes across as well-balanced. It, too, is a commendable effort. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. This is a very solid set of new releases from Petra, a young property in Suvereto.Importer: Blavod Extreme, Franklin, TN; tel. (615) 771-9111