($28): Acacia has an excellent and well-justified reputation for their Pinot Noir.  This one, their ‘entry level’ wine, comes from fruit grown in several vineyards (as opposed to their several single vineyard bottlings) and represents a good introduction to their style, which combines subdued fruitiness with an alluring earthiness.  Long and balanced, it reminds us that you can’t judge a wine by its numbers because the 14.4% stated alcohol disappears among the mid-weight red fruit flavors, herbal nuances and a gentle touch of oak.  Tannins are present and add support, but like the alcohol, not intrusive.  This is a fine example of how well Pinot Noir can do in California–in the right hands. 90 Michael Apstein Dec 2, 2008