The 2008 Ribolla Gialla is the most intense, powerful and structured of the 2008 whites. I often think of Ribolla as the white Nebbiolo when it is macerated on the skins, and that comparison is certainly apt here. Hints of tangerine peel, apricot and roses emerge from this beguiling wine. Though deceptively medium in body, there is plenty of underlying structure supporting the fruit. The Ribolla turns increasing powerful and captivating with time in the glass. Give the 2008 another year or two, then fasten your seatbelt! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. Damijan Podversic is one of Friuli’s most inspired artisan producers. Vintage 2008 was challenging for Podversic. Hail wiped out a significant amount of his Friulano, so there is no Nekaj bottling. On a more positive note, the cold weather allowed for the development of botrytis – especially in the Ribolla and Malvasia – and a very late harvest. The 2008s saw 2-3 months of contact on the skins, followed by 2 years in cask and another year and half in bottle. These aren’t the most immediate wines, but they will provide immense pleasure to those who are willing to spend some time with them.No American importer