By Brick and Mortar
2017 Chardonnay Cougar Rock Vineyard Napa Valley

The Vineyard
The Antinori California vineyard is known to Brick and Mortar as Cougar Rock Vineyard, with the name stemming from the first sight of the craggy rock feature at the highest point of the estate by Piero Antinori in 1966.

Cougar Rock Vineyard was the sole source of our inaugural wines. Nestled from 1,450 to 1,800 feet above sea level, the vineyard lies due east of Yountville, high up in the Vaca Mountain Range of the eastern hills in Napa Valley. Within the range rests Foss Valley, the
original throughway from the coast to the Sacramento Valley for the early settlers in California. In the heart of Foss Valley, the 200-acre estate encompasses the furthest eastward portion of the Atlas Peak AVA in Napa Valley.

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 shutdown for 10-14 days before regaining their strength. While devastating wildfires in the North Bay in October marred both the landscape and the overall sentiment of the region, the 2017 vintage was one of outstanding wine quality.

Winemaking
We strive to allow the site to shine in every wine we produce. The Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed and allowed to settle via gravity before being transferred to French oak barrels (33% new). Native primary and fermentation occur lasting upwards of six months. No malolactic fermentation nor batonnage is performed to the barrels to preserve a pure expression of the vineyard, as the intense sunlight of the site creates incredible texture in the fruit. Our Chardonnay is aged in barrels for ten months before a light fining and filtration before bottling.

Wine
The 2017 Cougar Rock Vineyard Chardonnay expresses precisely Meyer lemon rind and crushed shells with notes of jasmine, lemon thyme and sandalwood. The palate is headlined with an electric acidity, coupled with savory spice and a chalky minerality. Well textured and structured, this Chardonnay fully expresses the granitic soils of the high mountainous ridge tops at Cougar Rock Vineyard. Beautiful in its youth, we expect this Chardonnay to age gracefully and improve over the next 10+ years.

Technical Notes
Vineyard Designate: Cougar Rock Vineyard
AVA: Napa Valley
Production: 150 cases
Alcohol: 12.50%
Release Date: May 15, 2019
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

BRICK and MORTAR Chardonnay, Cougar Rock Vineyard 2017
Points: 94
value: $45
Drink: 2019 - 2029
Producer: Brick and Mortar
Country: United States
Region: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Editor: M. D'Angelo
Issue: August, 2019
The 2017 Cougar Rock Vineyard Chardonnay is an absolutely beautiful release from Brick and Mortar. It opens with lovely aromas of ripe Meyer lemon, green apple, starfruit and floral scents which are joined by hints of white peach, crushed gravel and river rocks. On the palate this is focused and energetic, with a great acidic backbone along with delicious stone and orchard fruit flavors. It finishes with incredible precision and acidity that leaves you wanting more. The 2017 is showing extremely well today and should go on to age nicely over the next 7-10 years.

BRICK AND MORTAR CHARDONNAY NAPA VALLEY COUGAR ROCK VINEYARD 2017
Friday, February 14, 2020
Country: United States
Region: California
Vintage: 2017
Score: 92
A firm and phenolic white with aromas and flavors of dried apple, butterscotch and caramel. Some dried pear, too. Full body. Juicy finish. Drink now.