Gianfranco Fino, "Es" Primitivo 2022

Es is the wine that made Gianfranco Fino a name spoken with reverence across Puglia, drawn from gnarled old bush vines in the heat of Manduria. The 2022 continues his pursuit of concentration without clumsiness: Primitivo of immense southern scale, kept in line by ancient vines and a vigneron's restraint.

Near-black, impenetrable purple. The bouquet is dense and warm: black cherry compote, fig, dark chocolate, dried Mediterranean herbs and a smoky, balsamic note. The palate is huge yet plush, layered black fruit and liquorice carried by ripe, enveloping tannins and a surprising backbone of freshness. Sweet spice and carob deepen it. The finish is long, warming and resoundingly full.