The 2008 Rosso Prelit impresses for its sleek, elegant personality. Fine, silky tannins support expressive dark red fruit, sweet tobacco, spices and leather. The long finish is particularly captivating. In 2008 the blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. 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