2018 Three Sticks Pinot Noir William James Vineyard

Community Tasting Notes (9) Avg Score: 92.3 points

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  12/4/2021 - Rbettenh Likes this wine: 90 Points

  Light body, smooth, blackberry

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  10/12/2021 - RobbieC Likes this wine:

  Lovely!

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  7/29/2021 - CASEBIER KENNETH Likes this wine: 94 Points

  Wonderful. Had with Smiths

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  7/8/2021 - Hi.its.Don.4.Wine Likes this wine: 96 Points

  A Mind Like a Steel Trap . . . Albeit a Bit Rusty
  
  As I get older, a story I know that gets a little old in itself, I am still amazed at some of the events from my past that still swim around in my brain. It was most prominent when I decided a while ago to write my autobiography (yes, another obvious plug). Memories streaming back to me, at the same time, mesmerizing me at the thoughts I could remember from so long ago.
  
  But, for this post I didn’t have to go back quite so far back; only about 5½ years to one of my famous (at least in my mind) Don’s Picks Tasting that I ran at the wine shop. That was when I discovered the first, and not to be my last, wine from Three Sticks Winery. Why this is important is that the wine from the past was a forerunner to today’s wine.
  
  Three Sticks William James Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
  
  The information that kept fading in and out was the significance of the wine’s name. Back those many years ago it was just called “The James.” However, that is the only resemblance of the two wines; both are named after Bill Price’s (owner of Three Sticks) son, who goes by the name of James. The rusted-out part was that I couldn’t remember if the previous wine had anything in common with the newer, obvious possibility.
  
  It was only after my second contact with Prema Behan, General Manager at Three Sticks (yes, I said second), that she set me straight (again) on the differences between the two wines. “The James” was a Pinot Noir made from purchased fruit down in Sta. Rita Hills (spelled this way to prevent a potential lawsuit) in Santa Barbara. The “William James” is one of their newer estate vineyards in the heart of the Russian River Valley and is only their second vintage produced from this vineyard acquired in 2011.
  
  From a cooler climate area, only 7 acres of this vineyard are planted, all Pinot Noir and producing just under 400 cases. As an accompaniment to the gorgeous 2018 vintage, 25% of the grapes undergo Whole Cluster Fermentation followed by 15 months of aging in 100% French Oak of which 40% is new, thus giving the wine a much darker nose, think dark or dried cherry bordering on raspberry along with some earth notes. Those same attributes continuing to your palate enriched by well-balanced acidity and smooth tannins that build toward a beautiful finish with subtle spice notes that linger. Sounds wonderful, right? I’m not the only one to think so; it received 96 Points from Wine Enthusiast!
  
  While the Three Sticks Walala Vineyard Pinot Noir has been a favorite of mine (coming from a cooler climate AND higher elevation), this vintage may have put William James on top. A worthy competitor for some of those Grand Cru Burgundies! Not one to stay available long, the 750ml’s are sold out while larger formats are available. More than likely their 2019 will be available come this August, so to obtain this marvelous wine, join their mailing list to gain access to the upcoming vintage.
  
  Cheers

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  4/16/2021 - gilbo5 Likes this wine: 95 Points

  Wow, enjoyed with baby lamb chops. Incredible flavor up front, spice, cedar; just a huge wine.

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