Medium ruby color; raspberry, plum, cherry, vanilla, earth, leather, spice on the nose and palate.
Dry; tannins with subtle meatiness; moderate acidity. Light-medium body. Good integration and structure. Impressive richness and pleasing texture. Layered depth presents in dignified procession. Wisp of sweetness and cranberry intriguingly play together on the finish. Drinking well now; can age for a decade. 14.2% ABV
One Sky Vineyard is a special place exclusively developed by Three Sticks. The highest vineyard in Sonoma Mountain AVA, the steep, well-drained land had not been touched by cultivation or grazing before Three Sticks developed it. The soil is reddish clay loam with volcanic origins. The pinot noir vines are planted at 1,300 feet and comprise three-quarters of the 11-acre spot; the remainder is planted in chardonnay. It is a monopole vineyard, which means a region controlled by a single winery. Monopole is a French term that corresponds to “monopoly” in English.
Notable monopole vineyards include Domaine de la Romanée and La Tâche in Burgundy. One Sky may not match those two, generally considered the apex pinot noir vineyards in the world, but Three Sticks is justifiably proud of being in the same category and clearly intends to continue to develop their special site. This effort is the inaugural pinot offering from this vineyard and adds to Three Sticks reputation for being a top-tier pinot producer in Sonoma.
Three Sticks owns, farms, and produces every grape and every drop of wine from its own estate vineyards. The operation specializes in chardonnay and pinot noir. Ryan Prichard is the director of winemaking. Rob Harris is vice president in charge of vineyards. Prema Kerollis is the co-founder and general manager. Bill Price III is the proprietor, which reflects his ownership interests in Three Sticks Wines, Kistler Vineyards, Gary Farrell Winery, and Head High. The “three sticks” name comes from the nickname Price’s surfing buddies gave him when he was growing up in Hawaii—referring to the III at the end of his name.
Three Sticks wines are estate bottled, which is not a common thing. Three Sticks does so in order to control the entire process, from vine to bottle. According to the U.S. Alcohol & Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau: “Estate bottled means that 100 percent of the wine came from grapes grown on land owned or controlled by the winery, and both the winery and the vineyard must be located within the boundaries of the labeled viticultural area.” The majority of U.S. wineries are not allowed to put “estate bottled” on their labels.
Three Sticks One Sky Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 is a superb, classic Sonoma pinot noir from the highest vineyard in the AVA. Delicious fruit, depth, length, structure. Delectable initial attack, fascinating finish. Drink it now or put it down for a decade or more. Pair with salmon, tuna, other oily fish; pork; turkey; broiled, baked chicken; veal; lamb shanks; lighter beef; grilled mushrooms; can be enjoyed by itself with neutral crackers and cream cheese. Cheese—versatile, will work with many cheeses; brie, herbed goat cheese, gruyere, parmigiano reggiano, camembert, fontina, swiss, provolone, brie, taleggio. $85
