Altare's 1991 Vigna Larigi demonstrates the vintage's shortcoming. The wine's compactness and high acid, short finish are in complete contrast to the sumptuous 1989 and 1990. The wine possesses deep color, an excessive amount of new oak, but a relatively good attack. However, once the wine hits the palate there is not much left. Even a genius such as Altare cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Importer: a Marc di Grazia Selection, Michael Skurnick Wines, Westbury, NY.

Altare's 1991 Vigna Larigi demonstrates the vintage's shortcoming. The wine's compactness and high acid, short finish are in complete contrast to the sumptuous 1989 and 1990. The wine possesses deep color, an excessive amount of new oak, but a relatively good attack. However, once the wine hits the palate there is not much left. Even a genius such as Altare cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Importer: a Marc di Grazia Selection, Michael Skurnick Wines, Westbury, NY.