A really consistent producer known for more of an old-world style, Brick & Mortar was founded back in 2011, as their focus is on on single-vineyard Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah, from select high-elevation Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino vineyards. They are known for picking early to create wines that have more finesse than intense fruit flavors that are lower than most in alcohol and pair beautifully with a range of foods.
Winemaker Matt Iaconis completed his viticulture and oenology degree from UC Davis in 2008, and then worked at a range of wineries in wineries in Australia, New Zealand, Italy and most of all Burgundy. He is most inspired by the old world style of making Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from his time spent in Burgundy. Formerly working at Napa stalwart Antica, Matt is now in his 13th vintage. I was very impressed with the new wines that he has crafted. Look to the food friendly 2017 Brick & Mortar ‘La Perla Vineyard’ Brut Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which has gobs of tension and lovely salty undertones. Evne better is the terroir-driven, very old-world style 2019 Brick & Mortar ‘West Block Petaluma Gap’ Syrah (OB, 93) which is very California meets Hermitage. Learn more about these beautiful wines at bhttps://www.brickandmortarwines.com and here are my reviews of the new Brick & Mortar wines.
2017 Brick & Mortar ‘La Perla Vineyard’ Brut Sparkling Wine- Fresh and lively, the 2017 ‘La Perla Vineyard’ Sparkling Wine shows pretty green apple and unripe cantaloupe tones with gobs of minerality mid-palate. Salty undertones complete this beautiful, tension-driven new sparkling wine that will drink well over the next ten years. Drink 2021-2031- 92
2018 Brick & Mortar ‘Manchester Ridge VIneyard’ Chardonnay- Located the Anderson Valley, the ‘Manchester Ridge Vineyard is a high elevation (2,000 feet above sea level) location set mostly on Goldridge soils. The salinity really shines here with salted Marcona almond, banana, white peach, vanilla cream and shades of green papaya on the palate. Drink 2021-2031- 92
2018 Brick & Mortar ‘Cougar Rock Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This Napa Pinot Noir shows off good nuance with dried herbs and wet stone tones alongside a core of very pretty red fruits with rose water. Lighter to medium-bodied, enjoy this beautiful Pinot Noir over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2021-2028- 91
2019 Brick & Mortar ‘West Block Petaluma Gap’ Syrah- Salty, savory and very Pinotesque, the ‘West Block Petaluma Gap’ shows off pretty red florals with a core of salty red fruits, iodine and a dusting of white pepper. Medium-bodied and very Hermitage, with outstanding length and novelty, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93