Deloach, Sonoma Stage Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

Strong earthy/gamey elements here with subtle strawberry and cherry undertones. Enjoyable, but a bit unbalanced toward the funky/earthy side. Expect more balance from a wine at this price point.

2007 Pinot Days – Best of Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley Seminar (Fort Mason, San Francisco) : Pinkish, cherry red color; soy, roasted fruit and meat on nose; tasty, focused, sappy blue fruit and candied apple palate, but somewhat hot with roasted meat and resinous notes; medium finish ($70, 40% new oak, from Calera and Swan clones, "14.9-ish" alcohol, according to the assistant winemaker on hand) (tied for the group's 2nd WOTF with the Sojourn)