A subtle red, with mulled raspberry and currant fruit, leather, herb and singed orange peel flavors, and dusty tannins providing light grip. Aglianico and Montepulciano. Drink now through 2018. 1,000 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / South / Puglia / Murgia Select to Add

A pure beam of black currant fruit is laced with graphite, date, mineral, game and star anise notes, structured by well-integrated and supple tannins. Not a blockbuster, but fresh and well-cut. Drink now through 2025. 1,000 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / South / Puglia / Murgia Select to Add

Botromagno’s 2006 Murgia Pier delle Vigne (Aglianico, Montepulciano) is an intense wine loaded with super-ripe dark fruit, blood, iron and a host of other aromas. Elements of over ripeness detract from the freshness but this remains a pretty, if somewhat rustic, wine. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2016. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

The estate’s 2004 Murgia Pier delle Vigne is a blend of 60% Aglianico and 40% Montepulciano aged in French oak. This full-bodied wine reveals plenty of fruit, but the presence of slightly oxidized, forward aromas and flavors detract from the overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2010. Botromagno is among the leading estates in Puglia, a region that has yet to be widely discovered by consumers, despite boasting some of Italy’s most unique varieties. The biggest news at Botromagno is the arrival of consulting oenologist Alberto Antonini who has taken the reigns here beginning with the 2008 vintage. Importer: A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620