The 2006 Torcicoda (Primitivo) offers up an enticing array of violets, flowers, blackberry jam and crushed roses in a vibrant, transparent style that nevertheless shows tons of richness. This bold, racy, fruit-packed wine possesses gorgeous length and terrific balance. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2011. Oenologist Renzo Cotarella always lights up when he speaks about his wines from Puglia, and with good reason. These wines keep getting better vintage after vintage.Importer: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Woodinville, WA, tel. (425) 415-3738

Torcicoda is a thick and deeply extracted Primitivo with mature notes of fruit preserves, blackberry and jasmine tea. The wine is big and bulky upon first impression but then relaxes and evolves slowly with more time in the glass. It imparts sweet tannins and a long, spicy finish.——M.L.(10/1/2008)—— 88