The 2007 Sauvignon Prail comes across as a conflicted wine. The aromas are those of a fresh, green style of Sauvignon, but the ripeness of the fruit suggests a search for more volume and textural richness. Ultimately it gives the impression of a wine that lacks a clear sense of direction. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010.Colterenzio was one of the most pleasant surprises of my recent tastings, partly because I wasn’t able to sample the wines last year. As is quite common in these parts, Colterenzio is a cooperative, yet the wines are often brilliant. Simply put, this is an impressive range. The higher-end wines, which will be reviewed in Issue 179, are even more successful.Importer: Empire Merchants, LLC, New York, NY; tel. (800) 338-3880 ; Giuliana Imports, Boulder, CO; tel. (303) 449-5477; Grappoli Imports, Ltd, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 519-2155; Grassroots Wine Wholesalers, LLC; Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 250-9060; Haw River Wine Man, Inc., Haw River, NC; wineworm@earthlink.net; Horizon Wines, Inc.; Houston, TX; tel. (713) 413-9463; Ideal Wine and Spirit Company Inc., Medford, MA; tel. (781) 395-3300; International Wines, Inc.; Birmingham,Al; tel. (205) 945-7101; Premiere Beverage, South Florida, FL; tel. (954) 266-2227; Villa Italia Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 873-6060; Vintage Wines, Ltd, Wood Dale, IL; tel. (773) 254-8200

Here is a wonderful example of Sauvignon Blanc from Northern Italy at its most aromatic and fragrant. The wine boasts pristine notes of sage leaf, kiwi and honeydew melon. The mouthfeel is firm, tonic and compact.——M.L.(3/1/2009)—— 88