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