2021 Three Sticks Chardonnay Gap's Crown Vineyard

Taking on a richer and softer floral profile, the 2021 Chardonnay Gap's Crown Vineyard is expressive of toasty oak spices, ripe peach, and a bit of smoky earth. This full-bodied white has more power and drive, with a good core of acidity, and offers notes of lemon balm and fresh pear, with more toasted spice on the finish. It’s a solid wine with good salinity. Drink 2023-2028. This Chardonnay and Pinot Noir house is a member of the West Sonoma Coast Vintners and is based in Sonoma. The name comes from the founder and principal, Bill Price III, who was nicknamed “Billy Three Sticks” by childhood friends for the Roman numerals after his name. He got his start in the wine industry when he purchased the Durrell Vineyard in 1998 and founded Three Sticks in 2002. Ryan Prichard came on to the team in 2015 to apprentice alongside winemaker Bob Cabral (previously of Williams Selyem) before taking over the position he holds today as Director of Winemaking. With key holdings of Durell Vineyard and Gap’s Crown Vineyard as well as other sites in the West Sonoma Coast AVA, these wines are on my radar to watch over the coming years. This report's wines were tasted with winemaker Ryan Prichard this May in Sonoma. Additionally, Ryan is responsible for the impressive Cabernet Sauvignon wines of Flambeaux, which were reviewed separately.