Three Sticks Gap's Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2022 Red Wine

Three Sticks Gap's Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2022 

750 ml

97 pts. The Tasting Panel:

"From one of Sonoma Coast’s most prestigious sites, this wind tunnel of a vineyard sees a plethora of fog along its rugged terrain and is one of the Price Family’s Heritage Vineyards. Cherries and sugar beets burst with a juicy flow. Its velvet mouthfeel is entrancing, and powers notes of chocolate and ripe plum, amped by a fine acidity."

96 pts. Wine Enthusiast, Editors' Choice:

"Juicy cherry and pomegranate aromas dominate the nose of this Pinot, while the palate sings with darker black cherry, Darjeeling, cinnamon and licorice flavors. Neatly balanced tannin and acidity dance for a minute-plus on the finish, with echoes of balsamic, cedar and rose petals." 

94 pts. Vinous:

"The 2022 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard comes across as pretty understated in this vintage. Dark blue/purplish fruit, licorice, new leather and sweet spice notes all meld together in the glass. The 2022 is undeniably attractive, even if it doesn't have the textural breadth or resonance of the very best vintages."

As the owners of the famous Gap's Crown vineyard, Three Sticks gets to pick the "cream of the crop" grapes for their own Pinot Noir. There's a waiting list of wineries who want grapes from this vineyard! The nose on this Pinot knocks you over. Not a shy wine, it's packed with chewy dark fruit and earthy flavors. Incredibly delicious! - Wine Factor

FROM THE WINERY

The Durell, Gap’s Crown, and Walala Vineyards comprise what we call our Heritage Vineyards. We recognize and celebrate the history and legacy of these renowned vineyards even prior to our ownership of them. But, as their current stewards, we take very seriously our responsibility to create and protect their future. We do so with obsessive attention to detail and meticulous care in farming them. These Heritage Vineyards are, and forever will be, cornerstones of our fine chardonnay and pinot noir production.

One of three esteemed Heritage vineyards, Gap’s Crown is located in the rugged terrain of the Petaluma Gap and Sonoma Coast AVAs. Known for its high winds and blanket of fog from the Pacific Ocean and San Pablo Bay, the cool climate gives the fruit thicker skins, allowing for richer colors, complexity in flavors, and consistency from vintage to vintage.

In this 2022 pinot noir, the terroir truly comes alive, imparting earth-driven notes enriched by blueberry tart and hints of vanilla custard. Dark chocolate s’more and cocoa powder dusting add complexity while the acidity lifts the palate. The purity of fruit shines through from the craftsmanship of intention, care, and unparalleled distinction.

In 2022, the ongoing California drought brought warm weather, early bloom, and prolonged flowering. Some vineyard blocks had lower yields due to the cool stretch during flowering, but quality remained high. Harvest began in mid-August, earlier than usual, just ahead of an anticipated heat wave. We were able to pick much of our fruit before the heat hit, and the grapes left on the vines were still not ready, benefiting from our practice of leaving more leaves on the vines for shade. After the heat, cooler temperatures allowed us to complete the harvest. We’re very pleased with the quality of this vintage.

SOIL: Goulding Cobbly Clay Loam and Goulding-Toomes Complex

CLONES: Rochioli, Swan, 115, 828, 667,777

FERMENTATION: Open Top Fermenter, 12 days

WHOLE CLUSTER: 25%

MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: 100%

BARREL AGING: 15 Months

BARREL COMPOSITION: 100% French Oak; 44% New

ALCOHOL CONTENT: 14.0%

TA:7.0 g/L

PH 3.39

PRODUCTION: 500 Cases