The 2005 Primitivo Artas (85% Primitivo, 15% Negroamaro) is a very pretty, refined wine with a perfumed inner sweetness in its dark fruit, spices and herbs. The 2005 is made in a somewhat linear, focused style, yet it offers outstanding balance and plenty of style. The wine spent 12 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012. Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons Ltd, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

This hot climate Primitivo has a jammy side that is evident in its raw notes of strawberry and blackberry preserves. This is a powerful and intense wine with flavors of spice, tar and dried herbs with a chewy, rich mouthfeel. ——M.L.(10/1/2008)—— 87