The 2008 Bianco Kaplja is a blend of 35% Chardonnay, 35% Friulano and 30% Malvasia. It is the most overt and international of the wines in Damijan’s lineup. Succulent yellow peaches, apricots, flowers and spices take on burnished tones as this rich, textured wine opens up in the glass. Layers of fruit build to the harmonious, expressive finish. The Kaplja is beautiful, although my own personal preference is for the single variety wines. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. 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