The 2013 Mil Rosis represents a blend of 70% Chardonnay, 10% Riesling and 20% Traminer. Only a part of the Chardonnay is fermented and aged in oak. However, the wine presents a subdued bouquet, and there are brief moments of flatness (that could also be some reduction). The wine shows its evolution with Riesling-driven aromas of smoke, tarry mineral and dried lemon rind. Only 5,000 bottles were released.

Mostly Chardonnay with smaller parts Traminer and Riesling, the 2012 Mil Rosis is a heavily fragrant wine that bursts open with honeysuckle, yellow rose and toasted almond. There is significant thickness and aromatic intensity that is further reinforced by delicately aged tones of dried spice and crushed mineral that fill in so nicely at the rear. This is one of the most opulent and thickly textured whites I tasted from Friuli Venezia Giulia in this warm vintage.

The 2009 Mil Rosis is Chardonnay, Traminer and Riesling. There is good up-front intensity and juiciness to the fruit, but like so many 2009 whites the initial burst of energy fall short of following through to the finish. Apricots, peaches, flowers and spices are some of the nuances that are found in this supple, ripe white. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. 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 2008 Mil Rosis is a blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and Traminer. It shows off subtle layers of passion fruit, mango, apricots and flowers in a mid-weight, mineral-infused style that is quite attractive. The aromatic varieties add pretty notes of sweetness that are especially evident on the polished, refined finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. 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 2007 Mil Rosis is a fatter, richer wine than the 2008 tasted alongside it. Here the mineral notes are more in the background, while the opulent fruit takes center stage. Scents of juicy mango, tropical fruit, super-ripe apricots and truffles wrap around the palate all the way through to the textured, creamy finish. Mil Rosis is Chardonnay, Riesling and Traminer. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. These are the most impressive wines across the board I have tasted from Sant’Elena. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907