Italian wines have indeed improved substantially over the recent years. They now possess such distinguishing depth and character, without being too heavy or rich. This month, I will feature wines of exemplary quality, price range, varietals and styles. Also included are Unites States Sauvignon Blancs. This wine varietal is characterized by its zesty, pungent style of New Zealand origin. It contains slightly higher acidity and more aromatic intensity accentuated with a distinctive citrus and earthy overtones. Italian White Wines Cantina Santadi, 2004 CASA SILENTE, VERMENTINO DI SARDEGNA $13-$15 Refreshing and exciting with flavors of pear, roasted nut, lemon grass and lime blossom. It is medium-bodied and a bit off dry. Crisp and slightly persistent in the palate. Drink through the end of 2006. Enrico Santini, 2004 CAMPO ALLA CASA BOLGHERI $20-$22 Appealing and exceptional. Features a fleshy texture, subtle and intense flavors. Tasting of lemon peel, green apple, pear, roasted nut and honeysuckle. 60% Vermentino, 40% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink through the end of 2006. Jermann * 2004 PINOT GRIGIO, VENEZIA GIULIA (IGT), $29-$31 * 2004 VINNAE, VENEZIA GIULIA (IGT), $29-$31 Classic and delicious. The Pinot Grigio is moderately intense, supple and full-bodied. It features the flavors of pear, apple, roasted nut and lemon. Made from Ribolla Gialla, the Vinnae is bursting with fresh notes of honeydew melon, candied lemon and passion fruit. It is very aromatic, full-bodied and crisp. Features medium long finish. Drink through the end of 2006. Tenuta Sant'Antonio, 2004 SOAVE $11-$13 Fruit-forward and moderately intense. Bursting with flavors of pear, almond, lemon. Medium full-bodied. 16,666 cases. Drink through the end of 2006. Villa Russiz * 2004 PINOT GRIGIO, COLLIO, $25-$27 * 2004 PINOT BIANCO, COLLIO, $25-$27 Refreshing and appetizing. The Pinot Grigio is crisp and clean. It is moderately complex and bursting with flavors of roasted nut, citrus nut and lemon grass. The Pinot Bianco, on the other hand, is aromatic with flavors reminiscent of apple, lemon with lime overtones. Drink through the end of 2006. California Sauvignon Blanc Reviews Joseph Phelps Vineyards, 2004 SAUVIGNON BLANC NAPA VALLEY $22- $24 Subtle and slightly restrained. This wine features well-balanced, oaky and adequate length finish. Tasting of lime, pink grapefruit, lemon grass, vanilla and toast. Drink through the end of 2006. Source Napa, 2004 SAUVIGNON BLANC GAMBLE VINEYARD, NAPA VALLEY, $26-$28 Full-bodied and elegant. This wine is finely flavored. It features the flavors of pink grapefruit, peach, green apple, and toast. Long finish. 1,650 cases. Drink through the end of 2006.