By Brick and Mortar
2017 Syrah West Block Sonoma Coast

The Vineyard
West Block is located in a cool, wind-blown area of Petaluma in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Planted in the early-90's to the Joseph Phelps clone of Syrah, this vineyard block is oriented east-west allowing even ripening during the long, extended growing season. The close proximity to the San Pablo Bay creates a maritime climate that further accentuates the cool climate for Petaluma. The soils are derived from decomposed sandstone and shale, adding intense structure and complexity to our West Block Syrah.

The Vintage
The 2017 vintage will be remembered for the challenges and extremes that only Mother Nature can dish out. The year began with abundant rainfall, a welcome change following five years of dry conditions. Spring weather was mild, resulting in extended flowering in some areas with a little shatter. A warm and uneventful summer growing season was upended by an intense Labor Day heatwave that caused vines to shut down for 10-14 days before regaining their strength. While devastating wildfires in the North Bay in October marred both the landscape and overall sentiment of the region, the 2017 vintage was one of outstanding wine quality.

Production Notes
We strive to allow the site to shine in every wine we produce. West Block Syrah undergoes an extended cold soak until native yeast begins a spontaneous fermentation in open-top fermenters, where the grapes are punched down by hand once to twice per day. Our small lot fermentations, with 50% whole cluster, take upwards of a month before a light pressing to barrel for their extended aging. Our Syrah remains in 100% used French oak barrels for 6 months and then is racked once prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes
Boisterous violets, Damson plum, and fresh blackberries shine through the beautiful earthy and crushed stone components of this wine. Notes of fresh Bay leaf and graphite create depth to further accentuates the aromas of fennel seeds and dried herbs. Fine tannins and a plush mid-palate create an alluring wine that is youthful upon release and will age gracefully for the next 8-10 years.

Technical Details
Vineyard: West Block
AVA: Sonoma Coast
Production: 180 cases
Alcohol: 13.50%
Release Date: March 1, 2019
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

BRICK and MORTAR Syrah, Sonoma Coast West Block 2017
Points: 91
Drink: 2019 - 2026
Producer: Brick and Morter
Country: United States
Region: California
Appellation: Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Editor: M.D' Angelo
Issue: August, 2019
Brick and Mortar's West Block Syrah opens with wonderful aromas of red fruits, dark berries, violets, lavender, white pepper, and dried herbs all popping out of the glass. As it continues to unwind it adds in further complexity with hints of earth, leather and gravel. On the palate this possesses a gorgeous texture with flavors of dark fruits coupled with cranberry, currant and blood orange. It remains bright with lovely acidity on the mid-palate as it heads into the mouthwatering finish. A crowd-pleasing Syrah that is drinking well with some extended air contact and should also ago nicely.