Altare is a genius in terms of turning out gloriously ripe, multidimensional, complex wines. This top-notch effort is super-rich, perfumed, and pleasing to both the intellectual and hedonistic senses. Altare's 1996 Arborina vino da tavola (100% barrique-aged Nebbiolo) possesses jammy cherry scents, as well as intriguing aromas of roasted coffee, tobacco smoke, and vanilla. Ripe and full-bodied, with terrific fruit intensity and no hard edges, it is another Altare fruit bomb to enjoy over the next 5-6 years. Bravo! A Marc de Grazia Selection, imported by Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300