The 2004 Pugnitello is a fat, super-ripe wine loaded with dark fruit intermingled with herbs, licorice and toasted oak. Pugnitello is a seldom-seen indigenous variety, and this version reveals prominent wild, gamey notes. Although the wine is intense in its expression of fruit, the tannins remain formidable. I am not sure to what extent bottle age will make a meaningful difference. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2019.
Importers: Premium Brands, Forest Hills, NY; tel. (718) 263-4094; Opici Wines , www.opiciwines.com