Damijan’s 2006 Prelit (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) is fresh and perfumed in its pretty notes of small black fruits, herbs and flowers. This delicate, mid-weight red offers excellent balance and a soft, approachable personality. Ideally the wine needs some time in a decanter or another year or two in bottle to help smooth out some of the rough edges that are present. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Damijan Podversic is one of Friuli’s most promising and hardworking young growers. Though deeply inspired by his friend and mentor Josko Gravner, Damijan has developed his own voice. The whites are macerated on the skins, but they also show a more delicate hand than is sometimes the case with wines made in this style. My visit to Damijan’s tiny cellar a few months ago was fascinating, as I tasted through every wine in barrel, including a few experimental wines: a Pinot Grigio macerated on the skins, and a Malvasia, both of which are highly promising. The 2006 whites are off the charts and reflect an enlightened, refined approach that is incredibly appealing. As always, whites that are macerated on the skins should be served at cellar temperature or slightly warmer (never chilled) in red wine glasses. I can’t recommend these wines highly enough. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200