2005 Vigna Larigi

The 2005 Larigi is a relatively small-scaled wine that in many ways is reminiscent of the 1993. Today the wine comes across as quite floral and in need of a few years to fully absorb the oak. It is another wine defined by simply gorgeous overall balance and harmony. The 2006 vintage was one of the most difficult growing seasons in Altare's career, as he suffered extensive hail damage in nearly all of his vineyards.

Elio Altare's 2005 Larigi is simply beautiful. It reveals uncommon grace and finesse in its soft, caressing expression of plums, dark cherries and well-integrated oak. Sweet, silky tannins provide a lovely structure that gives the wine its compelling balance and sense of harmony.

Elio Altare's 2005 Larigi is simply beautiful. It reveals uncommon grace and finesse in its soft, caressing expression of plums, dark cherries and well-integrated oak. Sweet, silky tannins provide a lovely structure that gives the wine its compelling balance and sense of harmony. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020. With his characteristic modesty Elio Altare told me 2005 was not a great vintage for him. -The harvest had to be timed perfectly, if we had waited just a few more hours the fruit would have been over-ripe,- says Altare. -2004, on the other hand was perfect. We were able to do several passes in the vineyards, picking each bunch at the optimal level of ripeness. In the cellar we did an absolute minimum of racking. The wines literally made themselves.- A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411