Of the seven sub-appellations — officially called American Viticultural Areas — within the greater Lodi AVA, the Sloughhouse AVA (officially recognized in 2006) is among the least known, despite its incredible potential.

Case in point: The 2010 Ironstone Lodi Petite Sirah ($10), grown primarily in Sloughhouse, is an unbelievably well-priced red wine of astounding quality — starting with its classic black pepper grinder varietal nose tinged with aromas of blueberry pie, cassis (black currant liqueur), cedarwood and gravelly, wild shrubby, almost garrigue-like aromas (like twigs of lavender and rosemary), piling onto the palate in a medium-full body, rounded by moderate yet mouth-filling tannins.