Pillow Rd. Vineyard
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Pillow Rd. Vineyard is situated to the southwest of Sebastopol, not far from the southern tip of the Russian River Valley, and planted to two acres of Chardonnay and seven acres of Pinot Noir. Clones 777, 115, and Pommard made up the first plantings in 2000, with Calera and Swan being added later (replacing Gravenstein apple trees). The vineyard has courted her fair share of suitors, originally being one of Duckhorn’s sources for its Goldeneye Pinot Noir. The first commercial vintage under the Pillow Rd. label was 2006. I’m not sure whether Ladera had entered the scene at that point, but it was definitely in time for their release of the 2009 vintage. In 2016 PlumpJack Group acquired Ladera’s Howell Mountain vineyard and winemaking facility, and while it appears the Pillow Rd. Vineyard wasn’t included in that sale, I haven’t seen anything that spells that out explicitly. Regardless, what is certain is that Napa Cab makers can’t quit this Russian River Pinot vineyard. It had some kinks to work out, but ultimately it’s built for pleasure and not complexity, and it eventually got there. Cherry cola, sassafras, baking spice, butterscotch, and just enough of a citrus edge to keep from losing its balance.
Pillow Rd. Vineyard is situated to the southwest of Sebastopol, not far from the southern tip of the Russian River Valley, and planted to two acres of Chardonnay and seven acres of Pinot Noir. Clones 777, 115, and Pommard made up the first plantings in 2000, with Calera and Swan being added later (replacing Gravenstein apple trees). The vineyard has courted her fair share of suitors, originally being one of Duckhorn’s sources for its Goldeneye Pinot Noir. The first commercial vintage under the Pillow Rd. label was 2006. I’m not sure whether Ladera had entered the scene at that point, but it was definitely in time for their release of the 2009 vintage. In 2016 PlumpJack Group acquired Ladera’s Howell Mountain vineyard and winemaking facility, and while it appears the Pillow Rd. Vineyard wasn’t included in that sale, I haven’t seen anything that spells that out explicitly. Regardless, what is certain is that Napa Cab makers can’t quit this Russian River Pinot vineyard. It had some kinks to work out, but ultimately it’s built for pleasure and not complexity, and it eventually got there. Cherry cola, sassafras, baking spice, butterscotch, and just enough of a citrus edge to keep from losing its balance.
Feb 23rd, 2018
OK c'mon..who doesn't love a good name to start out with? After drinking this very good Cali style Pinot I'd move to Pillow Road for more than just the cool name. Sometimes the California Pinot style is too big for me and overwhelms in a more Cab way than a traditional Burgundian/funky earth tone/vegetable way. This one is between the styles and not too dense (my usual complaint) and has great cherry and light leather without the Big Fruit that tends to get in the way of complexity. So bottom line; big but not to big and enough Euro notes to satisfy the taste for Willamette style.
OK c'mon..who doesn't love a good name to start out with? After drinking this very good Cali style Pinot I'd move to Pillow Road for more than just the cool name. Sometimes the California Pinot style is too big for me and overwhelms in a more Cab way than a traditional Burgundian/funky earth tone/vegetable way. This one is between the styles and not too dense (my usual complaint) and has great cherry and light leather without the Big Fruit that tends to get in the way of complexity. So bottom line; big but not to big and enough Euro notes to satisfy the taste for Willamette style.
1 person found it helpfulMar 30th, 2015
Great after it opened. At the Lark on the Park.
Great after it opened. At the Lark on the Park.
1 person found it helpfulMar 1st, 2014
Wonderful. An ideal Pinot Noir. Smooth and full of fruit without being sweet.
Wonderful. An ideal Pinot Noir. Smooth and full of fruit without being sweet.
1 person found it helpfulNov 12th, 2013
Beautiful cherry, raspberry and earthy notes. Medium body, great acidity. Well done.
Beautiful cherry, raspberry and earthy notes. Medium body, great acidity. Well done.
Oct 13th, 2015
Ready to go now. This is a finesse Pinot
Ready to go now. This is a finesse Pinot
Sep 16th, 2015
Bright cherries, strawberries, watermelon, pomegranate, cola, cinnamon, nutmeg. Juicy refreshing. Not a long cellar. 5-8 years.
Bright cherries, strawberries, watermelon, pomegranate, cola, cinnamon, nutmeg. Juicy refreshing. Not a long cellar. 5-8 years.
Jun 14th, 2015
Super nose of pencil shavings and ruby grapefruit, with a touch of cream. Good race on the palate w/ crunchy red fruits like cranberry and more grapefruit. Classic Cali pinot style, in the most elegant sense. A great drink.
Super nose of pencil shavings and ruby grapefruit, with a touch of cream. Good race on the palate w/ crunchy red fruits like cranberry and more grapefruit. Classic Cali pinot style, in the most elegant sense. A great drink.
Jan 15th, 2014
Intensely fruit forward especially considering its age. Bright red berry, violet and vanilla aromas. Sweet bing cherry flavors accented with hints of cola, vanilla and baking spices. Mild tannins and balanced acidity. Long and almost sweet finish. Classic RRV Pinot. Thank you John P.
Intensely fruit forward especially considering its age. Bright red berry, violet and vanilla aromas. Sweet bing cherry flavors accented with hints of cola, vanilla and baking spices. Mild tannins and balanced acidity. Long and almost sweet finish. Classic RRV Pinot. Thank you John P.
Dec 24th, 2021