Three Sticks

Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir

9.174 ratings
9.019 pro ratings
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
Pinot Noir
Turkey, Game, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Duck, Goose, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Mushrooms, Chicken, Meaty & Oily Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa, Shellfish
Top Notes For
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9.5

The 2018 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown marries all the elements that make the 2018s here so appealing. Aromatically expressive, deep and also quite structured, the 2018 is a wonderfully complete Pinot that hits all the right notes. Pomegranate, red cherry, mint, mocha, spice and lavender all soar out of the glass. The Gap's is another Pinot in this range that demands patience. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2021)

The 2018 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown marries all the elements that make the 2018s here so appealing. Aromatically expressive, deep and also quite structured, the 2018 is a wonderfully complete Pinot that hits all the right notes. Pomegranate, red cherry, mint, mocha, spice and lavender all soar out of the glass. The Gap's is another Pinot in this range that demands patience. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2021)

Sep 10th, 2021
Michael Chelus

Cherry, raspberry, cranberry, rhubarb, currant, plum and oak. Light-bodied and velvety tannins.

Cherry, raspberry, cranberry, rhubarb, currant, plum and oak. Light-bodied and velvety tannins.

Oct 11th, 2020
Tobin Trevarthen

A cool climate vineyard that produces some nice Pinot. Bright cherry and strawberries. Bold fruit. A bit young. Can’t wait to taste in a few years.

A cool climate vineyard that produces some nice Pinot. Bright cherry and strawberries. Bold fruit. A bit young. Can’t wait to taste in a few years.

Dec 29th, 2018
Sarah Stierch

Food & Wine Editor Sonoma Valley Sun

9.0


I was excited to see this pinot noir come across my desk - not only have Three Sticks Wines been consistently delicious, but Gap’s Crown is one of my favorite vineyards and I’m always excited to see what folks are doing with this cool and windy fruit on Sonoma Mountain’s west side, near of Petaluma.

I’ll save technical details for another time, but it’s a young and tasty gem. I was struck with black cherry and a touch of rose petals and cola on the nose. The taste pairs well with the aroma - cherry pie (thanks to 15 months 55% new French Oak - ok, ya got a little tech), a tiny touch of blackberry, baking spices fill the mouth, with a little lush, silky mouthfeel.

The rest of it paired perfectly with beef stew at the Swiss Hotel.

I’d probably cellar it another year, as it did still taste a bit young for me, but it’s drinking pleasant now and will be absolutely lovely in another year or two.

Now I have one question: when will labels change from Sonoma Coast to Petaluma Gap now that the latter is an AVA (albeit this wine was released in August 2017).


I was excited to see this pinot noir come across my desk - not only have Three Sticks Wines been consistently delicious, but Gap’s Crown is one of my favorite vineyards and I’m always excited to see what folks are doing with this cool and windy fruit on Sonoma Mountain’s west side, near of Petaluma.

I’ll save technical details for another time, but it’s a young and tasty gem. I was struck with black cherry and a touch of rose petals and cola on the nose. The taste pairs well with the aroma - cherry pie (thanks to 15 months 55% new French Oak - ok, ya got a little tech), a tiny touch of blackberry, baking spices fill the mouth, with a little lush, silky mouthfeel.

The rest of it paired perfectly with beef stew at the Swiss Hotel.

I’d probably cellar it another year, as it did still taste a bit young for me, but it’s drinking pleasant now and will be absolutely lovely in another year or two.

Now I have one question: when will labels change from Sonoma Coast to Petaluma Gap now that the latter is an AVA (albeit this wine was released in August 2017).

Jan 19th, 2018
James Forsyth

Sweet cherry and a bit of a kick.

Sweet cherry and a bit of a kick.

Nov 9th, 2017
David L

13' 3/4 of the winery is sold to Kosta Browne. They sell to 26 different labels😳

13' 3/4 of the winery is sold to Kosta Browne. They sell to 26 different labels😳

Apr 29th, 2016
Henrik Poulsen

15% alc. :-(
Gap's Crown Vineyard.

15% alc. :-(
Gap's Crown Vineyard.

Oct 20th, 2014
Joe Lyons

Cherries, Strawberries very tart, drinking very well, good finish, nice earth tones!

Cherries, Strawberries very tart, drinking very well, good finish, nice earth tones!

Jul 12th, 2023
Todd Stone

Medium to dark garnet to the edge, light nose red plum and cherry. After good airing is pretty smooth, definite cherry on top with maybe some strawberry down below and of course red plum. Light tannins and mild acidity- quite nice on the lighter side of good Pinots.

Medium to dark garnet to the edge, light nose red plum and cherry. After good airing is pretty smooth, definite cherry on top with maybe some strawberry down below and of course red plum. Light tannins and mild acidity- quite nice on the lighter side of good Pinots.

May 22nd, 2022
Shana B

Fruity but smooth

Fruity but smooth

Nov 26th, 2021