The 2008 Langhe Arborina (Nebbiolo) is quite beautiful. It doesn’t have the vibrancy or power of the 2009, yet the pedigree of this hillside site comes through in spades just the same. Floral notes wrap around the delicate, perfumed finish. There is a Pinot like sweetness and silkiness to the 2008 that is impossible to miss. The Nebbiolo tannins add a measure of tension throughout that is palpable. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. This is a stellar set of wines from Elio Altare. The 2008 Nebbioli were brought in between October 7 and 10, which is a bit late for this estate. The 2008s have a Pinot-like sweetness that is incredibly appealing. Experiments with a fully destemmed Barolo continue. It will be interesting to see how those wines develop over the coming years, but so far the results are intriguing, to say the least. The biggest piece of news, however, is a new lease on a parcel of Cannubi, of which there are now five barrels resting in the cellar with vintage 2011. The new addition will console Altare fans over the loss of the Barolo Brunate, which will no longer be made, as Altare lost access to that fruit after the 2011 harvest.Various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel.(415) 492-9411; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887