1997 Langhe Rosso La Villa

Good full ruby. Subtle, highly complex aromas of currant liqueur, violet, minerals, smoked meat and espresso. Lush but backward, with incipient inner-mouth nebbiolo perfume but also strong nebbiolo structure. Finishes with broad, chewy, slightly dry nebbiolo tannins. "Nebbiolo is an arrogant variety," notes Altare. "It always dominates the blend."