The 2007 Confini (60% Gewurztraminer, 30% Pinot Grigio, 10% Riesling) is another impeccably balanced wine. In this vintage Pecorari seems to have found a very satisfying balance between the sweeter style of early vintages and the drier but more alcoholic style of recent years. The 2007 Confini coats the palate with opulent passion fruit, mango and baking spices, showing tons of class and elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2013. Alvaro Pecorari continues to produce some of the classiest Friulian whites readers are likely to come across. That said, the highlight among these new releases is the 2006 Tal Luc, one of the greatest dessert wines being made in Italy today. Even better, prices have remained exceedingly fair considering the quality of what is in the bottle. Readers should be aware that Lis Neris is owned by members of my wife’s extended family. I have always viewed education as an important component of wine criticism. An article on Friuli without these wines would have been incomplete and ultimately the consumer would have been poorer for their exclusion. For those reasons I have chosen to include the wines in this report. Neither my wife nor I have any financial or other interest, direct or indirect, in this property. Importer: Lis Neris Estate, Manhasset, NY; staff@lisnerisusa.com

We are extremely pleased with this vintage of Confini. The wine (a blend of Pinot Grigio, Traminer and Riesling) offers enormous aromatic intensity with layers of passion fruit, peach and citrus. Yet, this wine does not play all its cards on the nose. The texture it imparts in the mouth is smooth, creamy, rich and decadent overall.——M.L.(8/1/2009)—— 90