The 2018 Russiz Superiore Sauvignon is a dry, medium-bodied white with vibrant, high acidity and rich, creamy texture.  Its aroma is quiet, suggesting non-fruity notes of nuttiness, honey, vanilla, white toffee, smoke and flint along with lemon peel.  But the aromatics that are reticent to your nose come alive in your mouth.  The flavors run from white peach, tangerine, and grapefruit rind to fresh herbs, grassiness, and green apple, and these are all vivid and showing good concentration of flavor.  A gentle, smoky note suggests the use of some oak, as does the creamy texture.  In fact, 15 percent of the juice was fermented in barrel.  The oak seems to have nuanced the wine in aroma and texture but has not subdued the fresh, lively flavors.  

Delicate but enticing aromas of elderflower, citrus and baking spice shape the nose. Boasting exceptional class and an understated elegance, 
the polished palate delivers ripe white peach, grapefruit, fennel and a dollop of vanilla before an almost salty finish.

A fresh, well-balanced white, showing a delicate mesh of crunchy white peach, green pear, chervil and pink grapefruit peel, with a base note of chalky minerality.  Drink now.

Chamomile, apple pie, smoked almonds, dried lemons and salted caramel on the nose. It’s full-bodied, rich and buttery with a backbone of bright acidity. So concentrated and flavorful with lingering, toasty notes. Drink now.

The Russiz Superiore 2018 Collio Pinot Bianco is a beautifully polished and fine expression. It highlights the smallest details of the grape, but it also achieves a far-reaching big-picture approach. You sense the pretty fruitiness and fleshiness of the wine, and you can clearly identify its aromas of quince, poached pear and Golden Delicious apple. This release of about 12,000 bottles ends with pretty tones of honey and toasted pine nut. This is a lovely rendition of Pinot Bianco (offered at a great low price) to be consumed with whichever fresh fish you can readily buy at the market.

BEST 50 WINES 2022

Psst, here’s a secret. Friuli has some of the most expressive Sauvignon Blanc on the planet. There was a point in this region’s history where “international” varieties were more prominent than their native grapes. And while they did the work to bring those back, Friulian winemakers took varieties like Sauvignon Blanc (Merlot, Cabernet Franc) and coaxed a new kind of balance out of them. Some of the best of this grape comes from here, like this beautiful example from Russiz (Roo-seez). Bright and mineral-driven with minimal fruit, this wine is about texture. The palate is a study in balance with excellent acidity and just the right grip. It is very Friulian, and you may have a hard time sharing.

The 2015 Pinot Bianco Riserva is a rich and savory wine that blends notes of whole sweet butter with toasted brioche, dried nectarine and pears. It’s velvety and expansive, maintaining its aromatic personality on the palate, yet with salty acids that further accentuate the experience. There’s a viscosity to the 2015 Riserva that reminds me more of food than wine, yet it ultimately communicates elegance as it tapers off with a hint of custard. This large-scaled Pinot Bianco won’t be for everyone; yet for those who enjoy the style, this is pure pleasure in a glass.