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OTHER OUTSTANDING RELEASES Henri Billiot NV Brut Rosé, Champagne, France ($60) This deeply strawberry colored wine features red raspberry, kiwi and, of all things, a hint of toffee in the mouth (which is probably derived from the barrels used during produc- tion). Cherry and red apple eventually show up, especially on the nose. Predominately Pinot Noir, with some Chardonnay. MICHAEL SKURNIK WINES Taittinger 2000 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France ($130) A blend of Chardonnay grapes from the villages of Avize, Cramant, Chouilly and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. My sleekly cold bottle was redolent of sour cherry, lime, white pepper and nutmeg. The fi nish was high-toned and very long, leading to the conclusion that this would benefi t from time in the cellar. KOBRAND CORP. Big House 2011 White Wine, California ($8) Produced within sight of a California prison, this dev- ilishly good white blends apricot, pineapple and pine resin with lime peel, white fl owers and soda ash on a bright yet succulent fi nish. UNDERDOG WINE MERCHANTS Vina Robles 2010 White4, Paso Robles ($15) Paso Robles is home to a num- ber of excellent wineries with breathtaking vistas and gorgeous tasting rooms. Vina Robles is one such place, but you needn't wait to visit if you want a great white wine. Their apricot-hued White4 (composed of Vermentino, Verdelho, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc) noses the same apricot fruit but only after being processed into jam. Fresh pineapple, guava and lush papaya round out this impressive, not-at-all expensive offering. John Duval 2010 Plexus, Barossa Valley, Australia ($30) Composed of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier from Australia's Barossa Valley. Yellow fl owers and honeysuckle lead to green pear, green pea and muskmelon on a long, succulent fi nish. OLD BRIDGE CELLARS Château Majoureau 2009 Bordeaux Superior, France ($16) This is dirty red in color and smells of red fl owers and cinnamon. Black cherry, blue- berry, cola and sweet smoke combine on the rich, satisfying palate. Château d'Armailhac 2009 Pauillac, France ($45) This densely struc- tured wine also offers dark chocolate, plum and red berry scents cast against a palate of sandalwood, tar, olive and pumice. BARON PHILIPPE DE ROTHSCHILD S.A. ST. SUPÉRY Napa Valley, California S 128 / the tasting panel / april 2012 urrounded by estate vineyards that provide the grapes used in the portfolio, St. Supéry is recognized for outstanding Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends, including the St. Supéry 2007 Elú ($65) Bordeaux-style estate blend. This inky wine brings aromas of plum and black cherry that permeate its garnet depths. Flavors of smooth vanilla and hints of tobacco ride a long, full fi nish. This is a seamless red with consistent fl avors and structure across vintages. Winemaker Michel Scholz uses the strengths of each of the included varietals to enhance fl avors and structure and create a charming wine with harmony, depth and elegance. Commencing with the vintage of 1995 and the help of Michel Rolland, Scholz focused on creating great blends of Bordeaux varietals and has consistently upheld that approach during his work with St. Supéry. "We've integrated new winemaking equip- ment and created innovative approaches towards the improvement in quality of our wines. Examples include a double fruit-sorting system, small-lot open-top tanks for a handcrafted approach, traditional cap management, heating and chilling capabilities and French oak barrel selection via research and trial."