Acacia 2009 - Pinot Noir

Acacia 2009 Pinot Noir

Napa Valley, Carneros

I had not been back to Acacia in years, so when Martina and I were in the Napa and Sonoma wine country earlier this year we stopped in for a tasting. Acacia debuted in 1979 and quickly distinguished itself as one of the first California wineries to offer vineyard-designate Pinot Noir.  The goal has been to achieve a balance  that was both complex and delicate in Pinot Noir and that, at the time, existed only in French wines.

Acacia has for more than 30 years seen the  potential of the cool-climate Carneros, which overlooks San Pablo Bay, long before the climate of this AVA was recognized as ideal for growing Pinot Noir. Carneros is in the southernmost part of the Napa Valley and experiences the coolest temperatures in the valley. Morning fog and mist are combined with fierce and persistent afternoon winds.

The 2009 Carneros Pinot Noir wine was made from a number of estate and contracted vineyards. A result of gentle winemaking methods, the 2009 Acacia Pinot Noir is another elegant wine with aromas of raspberry, cherry, and herbs. The strawberry, and spice flavors in the mouth are similar to the nose. The body is smooth with a pleasing finish.