Brick & Mortar Cougar Rock Chardonnay 2019

About the Winery: The Antinori California vineyard is known to brick & 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.  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. The 1200-acre estate encompasses the furthest eastward portion of the Atlas Peak AVA in Napa Valley. The Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed and allowed to settle via gravity before being transferred to french oak barrels (50% new). Our Chardonnay is aged in barrels for ten months before a light fining and filtration prior to bottling. Winemaker's Tasting Notes: 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-plus years. Varietal: Chardonnay.