The 2009 Langhe Arborina (Nebbiolo) jumps from the glass with freshly cut flowers, red berries and mint. This energetic, impeccable wine boasts incredible class and sheer elegance. It is a gorgeous wine full of energy and polish. Here, too, it is evident Nebbiolo did better than Barbera in 2009. The oak needs time to settle and the overtness of the fruit needs to melt away a bit before the 2009 enters its early peak of maturity. This is a great showing from Altare. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2029. 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