The third white I tasted is the 2007 Acromion, which I previously reviewed in issue #184. A killer wine, this blend of 92% Roussanne and 8% Viognier spent 20 months in barrel, and had full malolactic fermentation. It possesses abundant notes of waxy, honeysuckle, orange marmalade, and tropical fruits intertwined with a buttery richness, and complex, full-bodied flavors. While it may be too much of a good thing for some readers, it is a distinctive, singular white wine to drink over the next 2-3 years although I suspect it has the potential to last longer. This small artisanal winery is the brainchild of Matthias Pippig, who began this operation in 2004.Tel. (805) 640-9432

Mainly Roussanne, with a dollop of Viognier, this brilliant white wine is largely from the Santa Valley, which accounts for its brilliant ripeness. Just massive in white flowers, fresh white peaches, yellow apricots, pears, sauteed bananas, toasted coconut, vanilla and firm minerals. Lots of new oak, but the underlying wine easily supports it. A tremendous, impressive wine. ——S.H.(2/1/2011)—— 93