By Brick and Mortar
2019 Chardonnay "Cougar Rock Vineyard" Napa Valley

Vineyard Notes
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 for 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 1200-acre estate encompasses the furthest eastward portion of the Atlas Peak AVA in Napa Valley.

Vintage Notes
The 2019 vintage was a classic Northern California vintage. Ample rains in the spring alleviated drought concerns and allowed for a wonderful start to the harvest. A warm, late summer, followed by a cooling trend, created ideal ripening conditions. 2019 was an excellent vintage that made wines with great structure. We harvested Cougar Rock Vineyard Chardonnay on September 11th at 21.0 degrees brix.

Winemaking Notes
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 (50% new). Native primary and secondary fermentation occur, lasting upwards of six months. No malolactic fermentation nor batonnage is performed on 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 prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes
The 2019 Cougar Rock Vineyard Chardonnay is a delicate and precise expression of Napa Valley Chardonnay. Jasmine, lemon leaf, and fresh apple aromas intertwine with a mineral, mouthwatering core. The palate is well textured and smooth, hints of French oak laced with just-ripe orchard fruits, citrus, sandalwood, and lemon verbena. Well-textured and layered without being heavy, this Chardonnay is transparent to the granitic soils of the high mountainous ridge tops where it grows. This wine develops with ease for 7+ years.

Wine Details
Vineyard Designate: Cougar Rock Vineyard
AVA: Napa Valley
Alcohol: 12.50%
Release Date: April 1st, 2022
[Information provided by Matador Vino]