What a pleasure it is to taste the 2008 Confini, a blend of 60% Gewurztraminer, 30% Pinot Grigio and 10% Riesling. Vivid layers of jasmine, floral honey, passion fruit, mango and lime peel dance on the palate as this sumptuous yet beautifully balanced white caresses the palate. The persistence and definition are both first-rate. The 2008 captures a nearly ideal balance of ripeness, alcohol and residual sugar while avoiding heaviness, no small feat with this bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Alvaro Pecorari is one of the leading young growers in Friuli. His wines are distinguished for their textural elegance and class. 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

If you love Italian whites, Confini is definitely worth your attention. It represents a blend of Pinot Grigio, Traminer and Riesling. The obvious outcome is that the first variety supplies the density and creaminess, and the last two drive the fragrant floral bouquet.——M.L.(3/1/2012)—— 90