The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc emphasizes fruit and body over varietal aromatics. Here, too, the Sauvignon comes across as quite conservative. It would be interesting to see what the estate might be capable of with a little more daring. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. Sant’Elena is an interesting property. The estate is located in Gradisca, a town that historically has not been known for the quality of its vineyards. Still, in recent years, Sant’Elena has produced a number of terrific wines under the leadership of proprietor Dominic Nocerino, best known as the owner of Vinifera Imports. There are still some kinks that need to be worked out, and not all of the wines I tasted merited inclusion for this report, but the best wines are well worth seeking out.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The 2009 Sauvignon Blanc seems to suffer from a bit of an identity crisis, as it hovers between the crisp, aromatic style typical of Friuli to some of the richer, more textured wines being made in the region today. The wine shows considerable body and textural depth, but the balance is not totally convincing. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. These are the most impressive wines across the board I have tasted from Sant’Elena.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The 2008 Sauvignon is very much varietally true. Tomato leaf, sage, herbs and white peaches all come together nicely in this delicious Friulian Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The 2007 Sauvignon is made in a fairly rich, ripe style for this variety. A sweet, expansive wine, it reveals a generous expression of ripe peaches and apricots intermingled with pretty varietal aromatics. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010. Importer Dominic Nocerino is making interesting wines at his Sant’Elena estate in Friuli. These are the most consistent wines I have yet tasted from this property.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907