2007 Barbera Vigna Larigi

The 2007 Langhe Larigi (Barbera) is a pretty, layered Barbera laced with perfumed fruit. The wine shows superb balance in a medium-bodied style framed by silky, elegant tannins. The 2007 is shaping up to be another terrific Larigi in the style of the 2001 and 2004. After having tasted every vintage of this wine back to 1985 earlier this year (see my article on www.erobertparker.com) it is clear Larigi is among the very finest Barberas made in Piedmont today. The 2007 can be enjoyed upon release but it will be better in another few years and should drink splendidly to age 20 and likely beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. I was completely blown away by Elio Altare’s 2007s. The wines show incredible purity of fruit, rich, textured personalities, soft tannins and sublime overall balance. This is one of the very finest young vintages I have tasted here. Interestingly the wines were much more open when I tasted them in New York in September 2009 than they were a few weeks later at the winery. I also was impressed with the white 2008 Cinqueterre, a wine Altare is making from impossibly steep vineyards in Liguria. The 2008 showed elements of Riesling-like minerality and tons of balance. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119