The 2007 Sauvignon comes across as disjointed, with aggressive herbal aromatics that dominate the wine’s balance. Both bottles I tasted lacked balance and harmony. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010. Villa Russiz is one of Friuli’s top estates, but this is an uneven set of releases owing to the challenges of the 2007 vintage. The whites in particular show the unfocused aromatics and overly heavy quality which is common in this vintage.Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

Fresh, cool, crisp and packed tight with aromas of citrus, exotic fruit and fragrant flowers, this is a wonderful Sauvignon from northeast Italy. Pair it with leek quiche or lightly fried zucchini flowers to maximize the wine’s natural acidity.——M.L.(3/1/2009)—— 88