Caramel, vermouth rosso colour. On the nose slight hints of sandalwood, with undertones of toasted almonds, pine nuts and dried apricots. The mouth is very light, opening on Oloroso sherry characters, walnut, balsamic and dried fruits. The mid pallet reveals a little sweetness with notes of black cherries and oriental spices. Finish raw cocoa nibs and tamarind with an interesting balance of bitterness and savouriness.

Wine Advocate (97)

No, the vintage date of this wine is not an error. Just released, it is a selection of old-vine Primitivo grown south of Taranto and only now hitting the market. No one seems to know whether the fermentation was stopped by fortifying the wine or if it just stopped on its own as a result of the superlative richness of the must, but the fact remains that, with close to 14% of alcohol, it is as sweet as a great Recioto, a wine which it greatly resembles. Still an amazingly fresh ruby color, it features a decadent nose of blackberry jam, raisins, chocolate, and licorice, a texture of sheer satin, great warmth and roundness, a sweetness which never becomes cloying, precise and focused flavors, and a finish as long as the fade-out to "Hey Jude". The producer is negotiating with an importer for this and other wines, but it is presently available at Piero Selvaggio's Valentino restaurant in Santa Monica and at Alain Ducasse's Louis XV restaurant in Monte Carlo, for those willing to fling a few shekels around.

Crafted with precision and passion, Gianfranco Fino ES Primitivo di Manduria 2019 is an outstanding testament to Italian winemaking tradition. Emerging from the sun-drenched vineyards of Puglia, Italy's 'heel', this exquisite red wine brims with intoxicating dark fruit aromas, enriched by hints of sweet spices and vanilla. Its voluptuous palate reveals seductive black cherry, prunes, and cocoa flavours, framed by taut tannins and balanced acidity. Mimicking Puglia's sultry climate, it evokes an intangible warmth and complexity.

Esteemed vintner Gianfranco Fino meticulously selects only the most vigorous hand-picked Primitivo grapes from 60 year old vines, subjecting these to a lengthy maceration process and 12 months maturation in French oak barrels. Gianfranco Fino ES Primitivo di Manduria 2019 is a robust and opulent testament to Fino's unwavering dedication to the representation of his native terroir, providing wine aficionados with an unmatched vinous experience.

Decanter (95)

Still in its infancy, this opaque red-coloured wine is very rich, juicy, and plummy on the nose, vibrant, poised and quite oaky. The attack is assertive and tannic, with richness and density, and it clearly needs time to shed its tightness. It's no heavyweight thanks to its fresh acidity, which keeps it polished and stylish, and there's ample energy and bite on the long finish.

Vinous (92)

The 2017 Aglianico Bocca di Lupo opens slow, but it is worth waiting for, as time in the glass unlocks a delicate display of wild blackberry and currant, complemented by rosy florals and a hint of smoke. Its silky textures wash across the palate, carrying mineral-tinged black fruits and savory spices, while beneath, a coating of grippy tannin takes hold. This finishes youthfully structured and poised, yet it’s also packed full of tart wild berries laced with blue florals. The 2017 is already quite pleasurable today, but it should excel after only another year or two of cellaring.

Experience the refined eloquence of the Tormaresca Bocca di Lupo 2018, a timeless offering from Puglia, Italy. Produced by the Antinori family, globally applauded winemakers since the 14th century, this wine unites Aglianico grapes' generosity with the vineyard's distinctive calcareous and clayey soils.

The winemaking process saw the hand-picked grapes swiftly transported to the winery for a meticulous selection process. Afterward, the berries underwent a 15-20 day fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, followed by a re-fermentation and fining in French oak barrels for 18 months. The resulting full-bodied wine boasts a brilliant ruby hue, luscious blackberry and plum bouquets, accented by undernotes of exotic spices and emphatic tannins.

The finish, echoing the Tormaresca Bocca di Lupo 2018's characterful core, is exquisitely persistent. A sensory delight to savour, this is a wine that distils the beauty and tradition of Italian winemaking.

Embodied by the essence of Italian winemaking, Tormaresca Bocca di Lupo 2019 is a testament to the prestigious craft of the Tormaresca estate. Situated in the heart of Apulia, the heartland of ancient Italian viticulture, this estate breathes character into this exquisite red wine. The Tormaresca Bocca di Lupo 2019 is a harmonious blend of Aglianico grapes, hand-picked at their prime under the soft Murgian hills sun, and transformed through traditional fermentation methods.

The wine unfurls a fragrant bouquet of black cherry and plum, embellished with alluring notes of vanilla, violet, and spice. On the palate, the Tormaresca Bocca di Lupo 2019 showcases impeccable finesse with deep, rich, velvety tannins, resulting in a taste as divine as its origins. Conclusively, this wine represents a sublime expression of the land's unique terroir, making Tormaresca Bocca di Lupo 2019 an undeniable delight for any fine wine savourer.