Loads of toasted notes, vanilla, cherry, leather, almond and melted butter. There’s also an earthy tone to the nose, followed by a creamy consistency in the mouth. The wine would make an excellent match to almost any pasta dish. ——M.L.(4/1/2007)—— 85

The 1997 Primitivo (15,000 cases) possesses a saturated deep ruby/purple color, a big, berry, licorice, peppery nose, a dense, ripe, fruity mid-palate, medium body, and a surprisingly good finish. This is a robust, uncomplicated, but substantial wine that should be enjoyed by readers who prefer a good, gutsy red with casual Italian cooking. Drink it over the next year. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900