The 2006 La Villa (Barbera, Nebbiolo) offers well-articulated aromas and a juicy, plump core of fruit, with subtle suggestions of licorice, menthol and sweet spices that develop in the glass. This is a pretty, understated La Villa from Altare. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Elio Altare had a tough 2006, as many of his vineyards were damaged by hail that year, a risk he had tried to diminish by spreading out the location of his more recently acquired vineyards. While these wines are quite beautiful, they understandably aren’t up to his usual level of quality. 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