The 2009 Vitovska bursts onto the palate with a rush of ripe, expressive fruit. This is a generous, fleshy vintage for the Vitovska. Sweet, floral aromatics develop in the glass, adding brightness and freshness. Hints of orange peel, almonds, licorice and dried flowers inform a finish that finds its minerality on the close. This is a lovely effort from Zidarich. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. GPS isn’t much use in the Carso, one of the most remote corners of Friuli. This rugged stretch of mountains lies above Trieste, with views of the ocean and a microclimate that is very much its own. Beniamino Zidarich somehow managed to paintakingly carve a multi-level cellar out of the rock. But it is really the wines that are most notable. Over the years, Zidarich has fine-tuned his approach and it shows. Zidarich ferments his whites with some skin contact, but prefers to keep that time shorter than many of his colleagues who have adopted a similar approach. Zidarich is one of the most exciting growers in Italy. His wines merit serious attention. A visit to Zidarich is essential for anyone who has a serious interest in the wines, people and culture of the Carso. Importer: A.I. Selections, Astoria, NY; tel. (718) 777-2243