2007 Zepaltas - Pinot Noir Suacci Vineyard Pinot Noir - USA - California - Sonoma - Sonoma Coast - Red

(145 cases made from Sonoma Coast fruit and bottled at 14%) An expressive nose of sour cherry, raspberry and distinct herbal aromas leads to detailed, pure and intense middle weight flavors that possess a firm acid spine that gives shape and form to the energetic, indeed even racy finish that delivers good if not special persistence. Not withstanding the expressiveness of the nose, this is an understated effort in which some may find too much acidity and thus lacking a bit of generosity. I like the edginess and detail and this will clearly go well at the table but it is not a wine to serve as a starter as there is more youthful austerity than most would find to their taste. Moreover, I would not age it beyond 2 to 3 years as it risks drying out.

($49) Light red. Spicy red berries and herbs on the nose, with a subtle mineral underpinning. Firm redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors are given spine by nervy acidity and framed by dusty tannins. Becomes more tangy on the slightly peppery finish, which is precise and nicely persistent.

A touch gamy, this full-bodied Pinot offers a nice mix of fresh earth, spice and sour black cherry fruit that's racy and wild, savory and complex. A bit unbridled at this point.