Brick and Mortar, Mendocino Ridge (California) Pinot Noir 2018

 Matt Iaconis went to UC Davis to study aeronautical engineering, but his career path was redirected by an elective class in winemaking.  After several stints at wineries in different countries he returned to California where he worked at Antinori’s Antica on Atlas Peak.  He met his future wife, Alexis, at Meadowood, where she was working as a sommelier.  They discovered a mutual love of wine, and Brick & Mortar was established in 2011.  They source grapes from several different vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, but Manchester Ridge Vineyard is the only one in Mendocino.  It is also the highest elevation vineyard at 2050 feet, above the fog line, so the vines get year-round sunshine.  This is quite clearly a cool-climate Pinot Noir, lean and crisp, with savory and toasty black cherry, cranberry fruit.  It finishes with mouthwatering acidity and integrated, smooth tannins.  Serve it with roast salmon or roast chicken.