The 2009 Primitivo di Manduria Villa Santera is a joyous red bursting with varietal character. Dark fruit, licorice, clovers and flowers emerge with lovely inner sweetness, adding complexity to the dense, expressive fruit. This is another winner from Leone de Castris. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014. If these wines are any indication, recently arrived consulting oenologist Riccardo Cotarealla is having a profound impact on quality at Leone de Castris. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Forward and fresh, featuring spice-accented notes of blackberry and raspberry that follow through on the tarry finish. Drink now.??–NW??Region: Italy / South / Puglia / Primitivo di Manduria Select to Add