BearBoat Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, 2008

Here is BearBoat No. 2. It's certainly different, and I think I prefer it over the Russian River. It has more intense wild berry fruit but also undertones of vanilla, cinnamon and other spices. More zing and brightness on both the nose and the palate. Lovely Pinot texture and well defined fruit flavors from front to back. The wild berry intensity takes over on the mid-palate and carries over into the finish.

French oak--25% new, 25% one year old, 25% two years old, and 25% three years old--adds much of the complexity and personality of this wine. But the Russian River is made exactly the same. The difference is the grapes, but I'm not sure I would say the Sonoma Coast appellation is superior in this case. It all depends on what you like. Both are very good, and the $14.99 price is about as low as you can expect for high quality Pinot Noir from anywhere in the world. Meijer Supermarket, in fact, has the Sonoma Coast on sale now for $13.99.