Mix 1/2 cup sugar, the cornstarch and salt in 3-quart saucepan; gradually stir in milk and wine. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Gradually stir at least half of the hot mixture into egg yolks; stir back into hot mixture in pan. Boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla until butter melts. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours. Soak almonds in hot water about 3 minutes; drain. Carefully cut almonds lengthwise in half with sharp knife. Split ladyfingers lengthwise in half; spread each half with raspberry preserves. Layer in 2-quart serving bowl 1/4 of the ladyfingers (cut sides up), 1/4 cup of the halved almonds, half of the raspberries and half of the pudding; repeat. Arrange remaining ladyfingers around edge of bowl in upright position with cut sides toward center. (It may be necessary to gently ease ladyfingers down into pudding about 1 inch so that they remain upright.) Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Beat cream and 2 tablespoons sugar in chilled small mixer bowl until stiff; spread ocer top of dessert. Garnish with remaining almonds and reserved raspberries. NOTE: Do not use soft-type margarine in this recipe.