Critical Acclaim
It’s history now. We are happy with the critical acclaim we got for ACORN wines produced from Alegría Vineyards grapes in the past. We are pleased that Alegria Vineyards grapes will continue to be in ACORN wines, now being produced by Melissa Moholt-Siebert (founder and owner of Ancient Oak winery) .
These reviews might give you an idea of what wines made form our grapes by other wineries will taste like.
| Wine | Score | Reviewer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Alvarinho | Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | "Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of green apples and honeysuckle. In the mouth, green apple, yellow plum, and pear flavors have a nice brisk brightness thanks to excellent acidity. There’s citrus peel and a hint of bee pollen in the finish. Tasty. An Albariño-dominant (80%) co-fermented field blend that contains about 15 other Portuguese white grape varieties including Arinto, Malvasia Fina, Louiero, Verdelho, and Gouveio. Grapes are foot trodden and then whole-cluster pressed into tanks with selected Portuguese yeast. One third is aged in oak, the rest in stainless steel. Certified sustainable. Score: between 8.5 and 9 (out of 10 points.)” |
| 2020 Alvarinho | Recommended | Dan Berger, Napa Valley Register | "A slightly minerally aroma of grapefruit, white flowers, fresh fennel, and a trace of fresh almond make this delightful white wine remarkably appealing. It is dry, has only 13.0% alcohol and has excellent acidity. Though I enjoyed it all by itself, it also worked superbly with halibut. Bill and Betsy Nachbaur have grown mainly red wine grapes on their Russian River Valley Alegría Vineyard since 1990 and recently decided to take a chance on a few white grapes, including this Portuguese variety that’s called Albariño in Spain. This stellar white (it’s actually 80% varietal plus 10 other Portuguese varieties) is an absolute winner." |
| 2018 Acorn Hill | Excellent | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | "Fruity but harmonious with all that black fruit plus a healthy dose of zing, this wine starts strong but finishes even stronger adding in some rather healthy tannins on the finish." |
| 2017 Acorn Hill | Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | ". . . this wine smells of black cherry, cedar, dried flowers, and a touch of earth. In the mouth, flavors of black cherry, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and dried herbs have a nice fleecy tannic texture and good acidity. Easy-drinking and delicious. Shows the magic of the field blend, in this case a cofermentation of Sangiovese, Syrah, Viognier, Canaiolo, and Mammolo. Score: between 8.5 and 9 (out of 10 points.)" |
| 2017 Acorn Hill | Excellent - 92 Points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | A fruity yet harmonious wine that exhibits both what a talented winemaker Bill is and also what a bounty California can produce. |
| 2015 Acorn Hill | 93 points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | 49% Syrah, 49% Sangiovese, 1% Viognier, 0.5% Mammolo, and 0.5% Canaiolo. Planted in 1991 and 1992, side-by-side on Acorn Hill, the Syrah (field blended with Viognier) and the Sangiovese (with Mammolo and Canaiolo) provide a bit of wing and yang for this wine, which spends an extra two years in bottle. Noticeably smoother. Dark yet inviting with mocha and blue fruit. Impressive on the palate with weight, depth, spice. Lovely. Outstanding." |
| 2015 Acorn Hill | Highly Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | . . . this wine smells of blackberries, black cherry, and exotic flowers. In the mouth, gorgeous bright fruit flavors of boysenberry, cherry, and black currant are wrapped in a fleecy blanket of tannins. There’s a cedar note that creeps into the fruit, along with some grace notes of flowers, while a citrus peel quality lingers in the finish. Unique and boisterous in personality, this wine beautifully showcases the joy of old-school mixed-black wines. Score: around 9 (out of 10 points)" |
| 2017 Cabernet Franc | 93 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2017 Cabernet Franc | 92 points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | 92% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 2% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tannat. Another field blend (are you seeing the trend?) and one of my favorite Cab Francs every year. Dark fruit and just a touch of pyrazine (green pepper) on the nose. Great fruit and bright acidity and lengthy finish. Fabulous food wine. Excellent." |
| 2017 Cabernet Franc | Highly Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | . . . this wine smells of black cherry, plum, and a hint of green herbs. In the mouth, wonderfully savory flavors of black plum and sour cherry have a hint of leather, black olive, and licorice to them. Faint dusty tannins wrap around the core of the wine which has a mouthwatering tang, thanks to excellent acidity. A deep wet-earth quality lingers in the finish. Score: 8.5 and 9 (out of 10 points)" |
| 2016 Cabernet Franc | 92 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2016 Cabernet Franc | Jeb Dunnuck | Vibrant cassis, blueberries, spring flowers, and forest floor notes all give way to a medium-bodied, Cabernet Franc that has notable purity, fine, polished tannins, impressive balance, and a clean finish. It shines for its elegance and purity, and is a beautifully made effort that will keep for a decade. | |
| 2015 Cabernet Franc | Highly Recommended | Gabe Sasso | |
| 2015 Cabernet Franc | 90 Points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2017 Dolcetto | 93 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2017 Dolcetto | 91 points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | A field blend of 94% Dolcetto, 3% Freisa, 3% Barbera. Bill [Nachbaur] planted the Dolcetto in 1991 (inter-planted with the Freisa and Barbera) and still makes one of the few Dolcettos one can find outside of Piedmont. Fresh and vibrant good fruit and excellent acidity. A hallmark of ACORN wines. Excellent." |
| 2017 Dolcetto | Highly Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | . . . this wine smells of boysenberries and leather with a hint of citrus peel. In the mouth, smooth, fresh flavors of boysenberry, black cherry, cola and citrus peel are wrapped in a very soft suede blanket of tannins. Excellent acidity keeps this wine quite brisk and delicious, adding an herbal tinge to the dark fruit. Score: between 8.5 and 9 (out of 10 points)" |
| 2016 Dolcetto | 93 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2016 Dolcetto | 90 points | Jeb Dunnuck | It has a juicy black and blue fruited core as well as plenty of cedar, sandalwood, and pepper aromatic, medium-bodied, a rounded, balanced profile, and a great finish. As with the Cabernet Franc, it shines for its purity and elegance more so than overt power and richness. |
| 2016 Dolcetto | 90 points | Erin Brooks, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | |
| 2015 Dolcetto | 92 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2014 Dolcetto | 95 points & Platinum Medal | 2017 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition | |
| 2014 Dolcetto | 92 points & Gold Medal | 2017 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition | |
| 2014 Dolcetto | Gold Medal | San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition | |
| 2014 Dolcetto | 91 points | 2017 California State Fair Wine Competition | |
| 2014 Dolcetto | Highly Recommended | Gabe Sasso | |
| 2021 Grüner Veltliner | Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | Light yellow-gold in the glass, this wine smells of pears, baking spices, and lemongrass. In the mouth, lightly spicy flavors of pear and lemongrass mix with hints of peaches and apricots. Very good acidity. Tasty. A co-fermented field blend of 80% Grüner Veltliner, along with 23 other grape varieties, including Roter Veltliner, Traminer, Eherenfelser, Silvaner, Kerner, Rotgipfler, Viognier, and others. . . . One third is aged in oak, the rest in stainless for 10 months. Certified sustainable. Score: between 8.5 and 9 (out of 10 points)" |
| 2021 Grüner Veltliner | Excellent - 91 Points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | Spectacular with brilliant acidity, great fruit, and a mineral aspect that is not always present in domestic Grüner. Fantastic. |
| 2019 Medley | Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | . . . this wine smells of blackberry, black cherry, and mocha. In the mouth, the mocha notes continue to suffuse flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and plum. More pure oak notes emerge in the finish...Certified sustainable." |
| 2019 Medley | Outstanding - 95 Points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | I have tasted several vintages of this wine now and it continues to amaze me. Quite fruity, with a tangy balance, with just a touch of spice. |
| 2018 Medley | Highly Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | . . . this wine smells of cherry and strawberries mixed with a touch of cocoa powder and dried flowers. In the mouth, juicy and bright cherry, strawberry, and licorice flavors mix with a touch of cedar and cocoa powder. Excellent acidity and fine tannins make this a pleasure to drink. Quite delicious. A mix of field blends from various plots, which include Syrah, Zinfandel, Dolcetto, Cinsault, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese, but ultimately adds up to more than 60 different grape varieties. Score: around 9-9.5 (out of 10 points)" |
| 2018 Medley | Most Amazing | The Press Democrat, chosen by wine expert Linda Murphy | Our 100 Most Amazing Sonoma County Wines in 2022 ~ The Press Democrat, chosen by wine expert Linda Murphy |
| 2018 Medley | Outstanding - 94 Points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | A field blend of at least 24 varieties, this is both noteworthy and, well, fantastic." |
| 2018 Medley | Wine of the Week | Please the Palate by Allison Levine | The wine has a lovely nose of red and black fruits and brown baking spices, such as cloves. On the palate, the wine has bright fruit notes of cherry, raspberry, and plum. The tannins are subtle and the acidity adds a lift to the palate. |
| 2017 Medley | 93 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2017 Medley | Highly Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | ". . . this wine smells of blackberries, woodsmoke, cherries, and cedar. In the mouth, juicy blackberry, cherry, and strawberry flavors swirl under a fleecy blanket of tannins. There’s a hint of cedar and incense that lingers in the finish along with a touch of oak. Excellent acidity and wonderful balance. Very compelling. Score: around 9 (out of 10 points)" |
| 2016 Medley | 93 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2016 Medley | 93 points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | A field blend of 60 grapes: 20% Syrah, 20% Muscats (8 different varieties), 18% Cinsaut, 14% Zinfandel, 4% Dolcetto, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Sangiovese, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 2% Petit Sirah, 1% Mourvedre, and the remaining 12% includes Einset, Blue Portuguese, Viognier, and others. Perhaps the pinnacle of the ACORN line, the Medley really showcases Bill’s approach to farming and winemaking. An intense process that I could never begin to explain, but this is the wine that is made first, all other decisions follow. Rich and fruity on the palate with considerable depth. Really a lovely wine and the wine that for many defines what Bill and Betsy are doing at ACORN. Fantastic. And a whoa. Outstanding." |
| 2015 Medley | 93 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2014 Medley | 91 points | Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate | |
| 2014 Medley | Double Gold Medal | 2017 American Fine Wine Competition | |
| 2014 Medley | Double Gold Medal | 2018 American Fine Wine Competition | |
| 2014 Medley | Top Wines of 2018 | Sarah Stierch | |
| 2014 Medley | Highly Recommended | Gabe Sasso | |
| 2014 Medley | Discovery of the Week | Dan Berger | ...it’s a splendid, savory and complete wine (24 percent zinfandel) that should work with a wide variety of foods because of its lower tannins and good acidity. The intriguing thing is that the wine has 17 percent of various muscats, which actually show up in the aroma. What a delightful find. |
| 2021 Rosato | 92 points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | 20% Syrah, 20% Zinfandel, 15% Dolcetto, 15% Sangiovese, 5% Cinsaut, 10% various Muscats, 2% Blue Portuguese, 3% Viognier, Liatiko, and other varieties. Dark, even really dark, particularly for a rosé. Meaty and fruity on the nose, a bit of mint or eucalyptus here, too. Rich, fruity, big for a rosé as one might expect from the color. Very nice. Excellent." |
| 2021 Rosato | Wine of the Month | Wine Road, Sonoma County | “Just reading the list of varieties in this ACORN field blend sets my expectations for a wine that will be both thrilling and delicious—and it is! Composed primarily of Syrah, Zinfandel, Dolcetto, and Sangiovese—the ACORN Rosato is nod to the Italian style of Rosé made from a range of indigenous Italian grapes. Initial aromas of pomegranate, strawberry and pink peppercorn are followed by notes of watermelon and fleshy ripe cherry. Balanced and complex, it’s full of juicy red fruit flavors, with a creamy raspberry finish. Pair with grilled chicken and warm goat cheese salad.” — Marcy Gordon |
| 2020 Rosato | 93 points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | 20% Cabernet Franc, 19% Sangiovese, 19% Dolcetto, 19% Zinfandel, 6% Syrah, 3% Merlot, 2% Cinsaut, 2% Blue Portuguese, 2% Petite Sirah, 2% Viognier, 2% Barbera, and 4% includes Liatiko, Dornfelder, Einset, Freisa, Suffolk, Chardonnay, Einset, and Aromatico. Medium color, fruity aromas, lovely nose. Fantastic acidity with wonderful fruit. One of my faves. Outstanding.." |
| 2018 Rosato | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | An interesting wine and blend. Very Good. | |
| 2018 Rosato | Sarah Stierch | ". . .it's a rare age-worthy rosé." | |
| 2017 Rosato | Highly Recommended | Gabe Sasso | |
| 2017 Rosato | 20 Best | Sonoma Magazine | Selected as one of 20 Best Sonoma Rosés |
| 2019 Sangiovese | Outstanding - 94 Points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | Typical ACORN: wonderful fruit, plenty of depth, and incredible balance. |
| 2018 Sangiovese | Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | . . . this wine smells of earth and cherry and cocoa powder. In the mouth, cherry and cocoa powder mix with the sweetness of oak. Muscular tannins have a leathery grip and the wine finishes with a hint of wood. Good acidity. A field blend of 26 different clones of Sangiovese co-fermented with Canaiolo and Mammolo. Score: around 8.5 (out of 10 points)" |
| 2018 Sangiovese | Excellent - 92 Points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | This wine is fantastic now, but will likely improve in the mid-term (3-5 years)." |
| 2016 Sangiovese | 92 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2016 Sangiovese | Jed Dunnuck | ...smoked red fruits, toasted nuts, ground herbs, and pepper. Medium-bodied, nicely textured, with notable tannins and moderate acidity, it stays light and balance on the palate and has plenty of charm. | |
| 2015 Sangiovese | Highly Recommended | Gabe Sasso | |
| 2019 Axiom Syrah | Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | ...this wine smells of vanilla, blackberry, and blueberries. In the mouth, blackberry, blueberry, and mocha flavors are shot through with vanilla and oak. . . . Contains 3% Viognier. Gets a 3-day cold soak before native fermentation. Ages for 19 months in 25% new French oak. Certified sustainable. Score: 8.5 (out of 10 points)" |
| 2019 Axiom Syrah | Outstanding - 93 Points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | Fruit-driven for sure, but the tartness is easily its equal and that acidity drives the bus starting at the mid-palate and continues all the way to the finish." |
| 2018 Axiom Syrah | Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | . . . this wine smells of wet metal, blackberry, and blueberries. In the mouth, flavors of iodine and rust mix with dark berries and deeper earth notes. Very savory and deep, with a faint note of incense. Brooding. Includes a small amount of Viognier. Score: between 8.5 and 9 (out of 10 points)" |
| 2018 Axiom Syrah | Outstanding - 93 Points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | Yowza. . .While many might see “Russian River” and expect a fruity, flashy, bold wine, Betsy and Bill Nachbaur stay true to their style and have made a beautiful wine..." |
| 2018 Axiom Syrah | Recommended | Marcy Gordon | The ACORN 2019 Axiom Syrah is a field blend of Syrah inter-planted with Viognier. Before tasting, pause and raise a glass to the ACORN field-blend champions, for this 21st vintage from the vineyard is also the last. Enjoy it while you can. In the glass it’s deep garnet in color with a sage and blackberry nose and secondary notes of vanilla and cedar. On the palate a plush mouth feel, rich black fruits such as blueberry and plum predominate with a warm mid-palate note of nutmeg and dark chocolate. The long finish is juicy and lush with smooth spicy tannins. Pair with sausage pizza with arugula." |
| 2017 Axiom Syrah | 95 points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | 98% Syrah, 2% Viognier field blend and co-fermented. A ho-hum field blend (at least for Bill [Nachbaur], I imagine) of only two varieties which is quite dark in the glass with dark red fruit and considerable mocha. Quite floral and aromatic, thanks no doubt to the Viognier. Wonderful. Holy cow. Bill makes a lot of fantastic wines but this might just be his best. Yum. Outstanding." |
| 2017 Axiom Syrah | 92 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2017 Axiom Syrah | 90 points | Wine Enthusiast | |
| 2017 Axiom Syrah | Wine Enthusiast | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | . . . this wine smells of black cherry and cassis. In the mouth, black cherry and blackberry flavors are smooth and stony, with a gauzy tannic texture to them. Excellent acidity keeps the wine quite fresh, while dark, earthy savory notes blend perfectly with the blackberry fruit and a hint of wet chalkboard. Score: 8.5 and 9 (out of 10 points)" |
| 2016 Axiom Syrah | 93 Points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2015 Axiom Syrah | 90+ points | Robert Parker Wine Advocate | |
| 2015 Axiom Syrah | 91 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2019 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | “. . . this wine smells of blackberry, black licorice, and a hint of pepper. In the mouth, blackberry, licorice, dried black cherries, figs and a hint of dried blueberries have a nice bright acidity to back them up, with faint tannins and a hint of dried herbs lingering in the finish along with licorice root. On the ripe and concentrated side. A field blend of 129-year-old vines, which are mostly 89% Zinfandel, 11% Alicante Bouschet, and 9% Petite Sirah, with the rest made up of dozens of other varieties. Aged for 17 months in 40% new French oak. Certified sustainable." |
| 2019 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | Excellent - 90 Points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | Quintissential ACORN." |
| 2018 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | “ . . . this wine smells of blackberry, black cherry, and licorice. In the mouth, juicy black cherry, blackberry, Worcestershire sauce, and licorice flavors have a leathery tannic texture to them and excellent acidity that keeps the mouthwatering, as the wine finishes with notes of sweet blackberry pie. . . While this is labeled Zinfandel, it is really a traditional mixed-backs field blend of 78% Zinfandel. 11% Alicante Bouschet, 9% Petite Sirah, and 2% of a bunch of other varieties (Carignan, Trousseau, Sangiovese, Petit Bouschet, Negrette, Syrah, Black Muscat Cinsault, and Grenache all planted together in 1890). The grapes are all harvested together and fermented together. Score: between 8.5 and 9 (out of 10 points).” |
| 2018 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | Outstanding - 93 Points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | . . . the wine is so incredibly fruity, earthy, complex, and joyous. . . |
| 2017 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 93 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2017 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 90 points | Wine Spectator | |
| 2017 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | Highly Recommended | Vinography by Alder Yarrow | . . . this wine smells of blackberry pie and freshly ground black pepper. In the mouth, juicy blackberry and licorice flavors have excellent bounce thanks to great acidity. Licorice and berry pie linger in the finish along with barely perceptible tannins. Score: around 9 (out of 10 points)" |
| 2016 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 94 points | The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik | 78% Zinfandel, 11% Alicante Bouschet, 9% Petite Sirah. The remaining 2% includes Carignane, Trousseau, Sangiovese, Petit Bouschet, Negrette, Plavac Mali, Syrah, Tannat, Muscat Noir, Peloursin, Cinsaut, Béclan, and Grenache. Another ACORN, another field blend. This one has 16 varieties (!), but we are just getting started (check out the Medley). The fruit for this wine comes from the oldest part of the vineyard, mostly planted in 1890. Dark in the glass with bramble red and blue fruit. Whoa. The nose on this is off the charts. Yowza. Fruity but by no means “big” this is always one of my favorite Zins. Whoa. Outstanding." |
| 2016 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 92 points | Wine Spectator | Precision meets a zesty, briary quality, with snappy raspberry and blueberry flavors, accented by green peppercorn and roasted sage notes. Finishes with sleek tannins." - Tim Fish |
| 2016 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 91 points | Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | |
| 2016 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 91 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2016 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | Jed Dunnuck | It's nicely textured, has a medium-bodied, balanced textured, fine tannins, and impressive length on the finish. It's a solid, enjoyable, borderline outstanding wine that I suspect will keep for over a decade. | |
| 2016 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 4.5 stars | The Press Democrat Wine of the Week | A tasty zin with a range of flavors — blackberry, raspberry, mocha and cracked black pepper. Spicy undercurrent. Lingering finish. Well-crafted." - Peg Melnik |
| 2015 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 91 points | Wine & Spirits | 91 points & selected as one of the Year's Best US Zinfandels |
| 2015 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 90 points | Robert Parker Wine Advocate | |
| 2015 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 91 points | Purely Domestic Wine Report | |
| 2015 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | Gold Medal | 2018 American Fine Wine Competition | |
| 2015 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | Highly Recommended | Gabe Sasso | |
| 2015 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | Top Recommendation | Pierre du Mont | 2019 ZAP Tasting Top Recommendations - Pierre du Mont |
| 2014 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 93 points | 2017 California State Fair Wine Competition | |
| 2014 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 93 points | Cliff's Wine Picks | |
| 2014 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 92 points | The International Wine Review | |
| 2014 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | 91 points & Gold Medal | 2017 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition | |
| 2014 Zinfandel ~ Heritage Vines | Top Recommendation | Pierre du Mont | Listed as one of the best Zinfandels from the 2017 ZAP Grand Tasting by Pierre DuMont of the Piedmont Post. "I've been a huge fan of this wine for years...This variety provides amazing aromatic and taste complexity. There are layers of blueberry, plum, spice box, earth and the perfect touch of vanilla. A fascinating wine to contemplate on it own..." |