We initially discovered the Pillow Rd Vineyard Pinot Noir during a wine dinner at Nectar last year. Ladara was the featured winery that night and we were able to meet “Ladera Dan” Stotesbery.
The Pillow Rd Vineyard is a recent acquisition for the Stotebery’s. After ten years producing wines at Ladera they decided to branch out and try a Pinot Noir. They came across a small Pinot Noir vineyard lined with old Gravenstein apple orchards on the southern edge of the Russian River Valley, they instantly knew the location would perfectly complement their time-honored family farming traditions.
Moving forward a year and during our week in Napa, Chris reached out to Dan and scheduled a tasting at Ladera. Dan greeted us in the front tasting area. After a brief introduction and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc he give us a tour of the winery. After the winery tour we returned to the tasting area to try a sample of the 2010 Pillow Rd Pinot Noir. The Pinot held well against the Cabernet Sauvignons we tried. I liked it so much we bought a couple bottles to take home.
I like the bottle design. The label looks old and rustic.
Over the past memorial weekend I decided to pull the cork. Here are my tasting notes.
Sight
Medium color depth with a ruby garnet hue.
Smell
The Pinot Noir was very aromatic. As I smelled it I noted earthy tones, red ripe cherry and raspberry with a nice spice nose.
Taste
It was a full-bodied Pinot. Slightly tart but tasty, very balanced. The tannins were light and soft. The Pinot was very flavorful. I tasted cherry, light caramel. The Pinot was elegant and had a very nice silky soft medium to long finish.
The Pillow Rd Pinot could age very well. Sadly, it will not last that long because it was pretty darn good!
abv: 13.9%
How much: $50 retail with a slight discount if you are a member at Ladera.
We rated the 2010 Pillow Rd. Vineyard three glasses.
In Vino Veritas!
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