
2021 Three Sticks Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir
Three Sticks is a family-owned boutique winery recognized for exceptional Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their estate vineyards. It is named for the owner’s nickname “Billy Three Sticks” originating from the Roman numerals following his formal name, William S. Price III. He was a prominent attorney who worked for GE Capital and co-founded Texas Pacific Group.
In 2002, Bill Price III launched Three Sticks Winery with 111 planted acres of Durell Vineyard in Sonoma Coast. He is also owner of Kistler, Gap’s Crown, Walala and One Sky Vineyards in Sonoma, along with Alana and William James Vineyards in the Russian River Valley.
The 2021 Three Sticks Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir reveals a vibrant red hue with an enticing bouquet of red violets and dried rose petals. It has an overture of ripe, freshly picked red and black orchard fruits that overflow from the edge of the glass. Classic to its Durell Vineyard origin, this wine expresses itself with a potpourri of brown and fruitcake spices, dried herbs, mocha and a whisper of underbrush. In many ways, it reflects the classic expression of the Russian River Valley. It has a velvety texture and is precise in the amount of cerebral satisfaction it offers now, but patience in cellaring this wine will be rewarded over time.
By W Peter Hoyne