2005 A by Acacia California Pinot Noir

[dananne]

This is a second line of wines by Acacia, bearing the "California" tag instead of "Carneros," and bearing a slightly lower price tag. This offered very good value at the $14 price point. Dark ruby in color, with aromas of black cherry, vanilla, and smoke. Perhaps a floral element, too. Creamy texture, with core flavors of ripe cherry, with some spices and notes of bacon fat adding a bit of complexity. Slight evidence of toasty oak on the finish, but not heavy at all. Anne was wowed by it for the price. 13.5% alc. Might be a good one to keep around the house. Anne will be buying more.

[dananne]

On to the '06, which is remarkably consistent and a great value at $14. Frankly, I ought to just put it in the Best Buys category, as it is head and shoulders above just about any PN at that price point. We'll be keeping it around as a house PN this summer, as I haven't seen the Queen of Hearts lately, which is what had served the purpose for the last two summers. Frankly, it can get hard to justify opening a $35 Oregon or RRV PN on a Tuesday night if only one of us is having a glass or two. This Acacia eliminates that guilt. If you like good PN at a sub-$15 price, look for it.