I'll agree to the style being similar between Sonoma and Santa Cruz Mountains pinots- most specifically with both being markedly different from the French pinots even from the same clones. "Generally better quality" is harder to address. Even though there are a good number of Santa Cruz Mountains wineries making nice pinots, there are far more in Napa so, on the whole, there are more "better quality" pinots from Sonoma.

However, there are more than a few Santa Cruz Mountains wineries making pinots that, to my palate, are the equal of what I have tasted from Sonoma (or Oregon, for that matter). So, pitting top against top, I'd call it fairly even.

Although I may have to give an overall edge to Carneros. Seems that that really nasty soil there does wonders for the pinot and chard.

Sadly, heading to Napa for the weekend as friends from out of town want to go there. Certainly more spectacular and showy than Sonoma...and people probably should experience that at least once...sort of like Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Spend a little time there, then experience New Orleans

Cheers.