The estate’s Sauvignon De La Tour is typically one of my favorite Friulian Sauvignons, but in 2007 it suffers from many of the same issues I found in the regular bottling; namely, the aromas and flavors lack focus. The wine does offer greater ripeness and richness than the regular bottling, which compensates to some extent, but this remains an uncharacteristically out of balance version of this wine. Bottle age may help, but only to a limited extent. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012. 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

This standout expression of the excellent Sauvignon de la Tour offers brilliant luminosity and pristine aromas of passion fruit, kiwi and Thai basil. The most extraordinary quality here is the purity and intensity of the wine’s beautiful bouquet.——M.L.(3/1/2009)—— 90