The 2023 Chardonnay Gap’s Crown Vineyard is another impressive wine in this range from Three Sticks. Citrus peel, white flowers, mint, slate and chalk are all beautifully delineated in this brisk, nervy Chardonnay. All the elements are so well balanced. I especially admire the wine’s translucence and mineral-driven purity. - Antonio Galloni

Three Sticks has been farming the well-known Gap’s Crown Vineyard since 2012, a fairly large site in the Petaluma Gap - a 15-mile wind funnel through the coastal mountains that pulls Pacific air from Bodega Bay through Petaluma toward San Pablo Bay. The vineyard is a little over 161 hectares (400 acres), with about 55ha (137 acres) planted to vines, including roughly 11ha (27 acres) of Chardonnay. Constant wind and afternoon sun push the grapes to develop thicker skins and greater phenolic structure, a signature of the vineyard. The 2023 vintage of this Chardonnay is quite vibrant. The long, cool growing season really did something here. It opens with forward aromas of citrus pith and citrus peel, a bit of lemon curd, sweet white flowers, and a subtle hint of roasted nuts. There’s real tension on the palate, but also a stimulating texture - still very citrusy and salty, and a fresh herbal edge that reminds me of thyme. A really nice, well-balanced Chardonnay.

Fresh, lively aromas of nectarine, Meyer lemon peel and river rocks jump from the glass on the nose of this Chardonnay. The palate feels nervy, with energetic acidity driving right through the midpalate and flavors of lemon curd, passion fruit, pineapple sage and flowers lingering across the finish. — Tom R. Capo

Pouring a slightly deeper but bright yellow color, the 2023 Chardonnay Gap's Crown Vineyard brings forward more intensity, with notes of smoky wet stones, pineapple, lemon balm, and toasted spice. The palate has a good deal of energy, with an elegant, full-bodied frame, driving with vibrant ripe acidity, salty earth, and hints of almond on the finish. It’s a solid wine to drink over the coming 6-7 years.