2006 Primitivo di Manduria, 'Stella Morella', Az. Agr. Morella, Puglia

A glimpse of the potential of this southern belle of a variety. While its American cousin, Zinfandel, tends to get hot, bothered and raisiny all too readily, Puglia’s Primitivo seems to soak up the Mediterranean sun while staying cool and composed.

What an exciting (Australian) take on this deeply Italian varietal. Lisa Gilbey has captured all the charm and pedigree of Primitivo while licking it into shape with a dose of antipodean wine-making. It's all there: dense rich brambly, fresh black tea and tapenade aromas on the nose  while the palate's just so lush and generous, but never overly-so. (David Berry Green – BBR Buyer)