As far as I can tell, the Acacia “A” is well-regarded and generally liked by all (where “all” means people who are willing to pay $20/bottle or ~$10+/glass).  Its easy to see why:  there is nothing offensive about this wine.  It has good enough fruit, and it is decently smooth.  Not a whole lot else going on though.  The finish is very quick.  It occurs to me that I should taste this blind against the Castle Rock (which costs about half as much!).  Very curious which would prevail.

scored: 87

paid: $15 (on sale from $19)

This wine has nothing but a name in common with that gentrified village on the SF bay.  An entertaining blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Syrah (not sure of the %).  The tannins are pretty strong but disappear upon decanting, leaving a pleasant earthy smell and a semi-lingering finish.  I have to admit the blend confuses my palate, but so what?  I wonder how it will taste in 5 years.

paid: $13 (on sale from $19)

scored: 90

I can’t take credit for this find.  Somehow I heard that this bottle won big at a recent SF competition.  I can see why.  Most $10 Pinot has a sharp almost bitter stab to it, while this one is rounded and soft, with a little bit of complexity (read: aftershocks of flavors you missed while it was in your mouth) on the finish.  It is a little too fruity for my taste, but on the balance that is a small short-coming.  I went back and bought 4 bottles for the cellar.

paid: $10

scored: 90

This was the big winner with everyone but me at a recent wine tasting we hosted.  Maybe I’m spoiled — we did drop in on Ridge Winery earlier in the day.  It was smooth enough, balanced enough, and I’d definitely buy it again — maybe I missed something the first time around.

paid: $10

scored: 86

Another smooth and easy Pinot at the $18 price point.  I’m 3 weeks behind in posting this so no other comments.  I do remember thinking that I’d buy it again.  BevMo probably has it for less than the Korean market where I found it.

paid: $18

scored: 89

I don’t come a cross a lot of un-blended Monastrell (Mourvedre, en Francais).  But I do like it.  There is a subtle berry buzz to this wine, with a very pure finish.  And at the same time, its not light.  If I were to complain about anything it would be that 14 % feels like a bit too alcohol.  Come to think of it, the Cline Mourvedre is similarly strong.  Maybe that’s why they always blend this varietal in the Rhone Valley.  Still, tasty and worth it.  I’ll probably have to try it again some time.

paid: $10

scored: 89