Ladera’s Pillow Road Pinot Noir continues in its established stylistic vein, leaning into rich ripe fruit character, fall spice and bold but not overly heavy barrel influence. I would imagine that the “why mess with a good thing” philosophy is in play here, and I for one am a fan. Black cherry, fall spice, and soft damp earth notes ride a plush texture through a long finish where a nice citric kiss pulls it all together. Well done!
Ladera Vineyards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2020
By Rich Cook