Three Sticks "Gap's Crown Vineyard" Chardonnay 2022
(Sonoma Coast, California) - [WE 96] [WS 95]

About the Winery:

Three Sticks Wines is a boutique, family-owned winery founded by Bill Price (William S. Price III). Founded in 2002, the winery is named for Bill's surfing nickname, "Billy Three Sticks," which was assigned to him in his youth as a reference to the three Roman numerals that follow his name. As a long-time fan and collector of wines from the Durell Vineyard, Price purchased the property from Ed Durell in 1998, and launched Three Sticks a few years later. In 2004, Don Van Staaveren, the winemaker believed by many to be responsible for putting Chateau St. Jean, and Sonoma wines in general, in the critical limelight throughout the 1990s, joined the team. 

Acquired by Bill Price in late 2012, our 406-acre Gap’s Crown Vineyard is one of the most iconic vineyards of the Sonoma Coast, consistently producing pinot noirs and chardonnays of distinction. Located on the western slope of Sonoma Mountain, known as the Petaluma Gap, this unique site allows for near-perfect ripening conditions with a combination of wind and fog that is almost always present.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast:

"Bright, focused apple and lemon aromas anchor the nose of this Chardonnay. The palate is clean and lively, displaying flavors of Honeycrisp apple, with tangerine and lemon winding up the intensity. A long, complex and mouthwatering finish comes in a framework of beautifully integrated French oak." (July 2024)

95 Points - Wine Spectator:

"Wonderfully intense and vibrant, with plenty of generosity to the flavors of Key lime, quince, pear and Honeycrisp apple on its taut, mouthwatering frame. Offers accents of tarragon and lemon verbena, with a note of crunchy sea salt on the energetic finish. Drink now." - MW (July 2024)

93 Points - Decanter Magazine:

"Ample oak character drives the Three Sticks Gap's Crown Chardonnay. Generous and balanced with ample oak spice, nutmeg, spiced pear, a streak of saline character, florals, and lemon curd. The palate is opulent, with honeyed stone fruits, petrichor and saline framework. Honeyed ginger, tangerine peel, ripe pear flesh, dashes of nutmeg and cardamom and a saline tingle towards the finish." - CP (Jan 2024)