Brick & Mortar Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2018
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Wilfred
Wong -
Wine
Enthusiast
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The 2018 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir has a high intensity of floral and forest-floor aromas. Flavors of bright blackberry and plum, cherry blossom, and fresh cedar, highlighted by juniper, bay laurel, and woodsiness; unique markers for Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. The wine is a beautiful rich ruby with purple core, silky palate and bright acidity. Showing beautifully upon release, we expect this Anderson Valley Pinot Noir to continue to improve for 5+ years.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Brick & Mortar Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is pure and striking. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows excellent balance, style, and grace. Its aromas and flavors of ripe red and black stay lively and persistent through the finish. Pair with lightly-grilled lamb chops. (Tasted: March 9, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
Tart and tangy in rhubarb and black tea, this light, lifted and substantially fresh red is delicate in nature and nuance. Coastal acidity permeates the crisp, crunchy fruit and earthy forest tones, making just enough room for cardamom and nutmeg to play too.
Brick & Mortar produces single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from high elevation sites in Napa Valley, Sonoma Coast and Mendocino Ridge AVA. They produce Old world style, balanced wines that are bright and structured with low/moderate alcohol and distinct site characteristics. Owners Matt, Alexis and Troy Iaconis also specialize in a highly-acclaimed rosé as well as two unique blends of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both picked the same day from the same two vineyards, comprised of the exact same blend percentage between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – one as a white wine (Vin Clair) and one as a red wine (Vin Rubis). brick & mortar’s first single vineyard sparkling wine is set to be released in 2019.
The name brick & mortar was founded on the fact the 2011 Pinot Noir would be the foundational wine of the winery. Given that Matt had spent the summer of 2011 in Burgundy, he fell in love with Pinot Noir and the cobblestone towns. When exploring names for the winery, he mentioned that when one goes through difficult times, a strong foundation is needed – and considering the foundation of some of the world’s longest standing buildings is made from many different variations of brick & mortar, the name was a perfect fit.
Anderson Valley, located in Mendocino County just above Sonoma County, is one of California’s coolest AVAs, allowing it a long growing season. Only 15 miles long, the region makes a slice eastward through the mountains, from the frigid Pacific Ocean. Dramatic diurnal temperature variations here preserve grape acidity and thus freshness in the finished wines. These are prime conditions for growing Pinot Noir, and the valley produces many fine versions. Characteristics of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir typically include crisp acidity, cranberry and strawberry notes as well as earthy notes of forest floor and mushroom.
Still Pinot Noir, however, is only part of the story. Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay, are also grown for Anderson Valley’s exceptional sparkling wines. Produced via the traditional method, these offer a classic toasty note from lees aging, bright, complex fruit notes and a clean, refreshing character.