2009 Schug Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

The 2009 Schug Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast is a tight, lean style of Pinot Noir featuring scents of cherry and cranberry fruit and an exotic hint of Asian five spice powder. Tart and angular on the palate with bitter wood (think: campfire) and cranberry flavors. Only moderate tannins, but the acidity is off the charts. Stylistically, I prefer Schug's softer, sweeter Carneros Pinot Noir. About $17

Pretty rough as a sipping wine, but a teriyaki-marinated pork tenderloin really helped smooth out the sharp edges. Recommended, but with the caveat that this is a "food wine."