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Liberators of Fine Wines
Like Robin Hood, who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, Three Thieves Winery believes that one’s fortune (or lack thereof) need not preclude the enjoyment of such riches as premium California wine. Indeed, sharing a bottle of wine with loved ones or good friends is not a privilege; it’s a basic right! And who said fine wine must come in a cork-stoppered 750 ml bottle with an elegant label? From the start, Three Thieves has snubbed the snobs by bottling Zinfandel in one-liter jugs, or Cabernet in lightweight tetra paks. But unlike many brands with a low price point, Three Thieves does not merely repurpose wine sold on the bulk market. Rather they cultivate relationships with conscientious growers, and make and blend the wines at a facility in the Napa Valley. The “Three Thieves” behind this brand are Joel Gott, Roger Scommegna, and Charles Bieler, each of whom might be considered a serial entrepreneur of the drinks and hospitality trades, with hands in such disparate ventures as a hotel in Mendocino, a gourmet hamburger stand in St. Helena, or such “hipster” products as hard cider, artisanal Mescal and Riesling in kegs. Joel Gott, of course, is well-known to Hotei fans as a producer of fine wines that win awards but remain affordable. But whereas the JG wines are made to grace the dining table, Three Thieves will be the life of the party. Bold, brash, irreverently packaged but carefully sourced and well-made, these are California varietal wines that will spark conversation and good times whenever you get together with friends, family, colleagues or new acquaintances.
Wine MakerJoel Gott/Charles Bieler/Roger Scommegna
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
Three Thieves 2020 Pinot Grigio is a wine so crisp, so tasty, and so affordable that it should be your “go to” wine of the summer. After work, before or over dinner, at weekend lunches, with guests or all alone, this is a Pinot Grigio for any time that calls for a chilled white wine. To enhance the best characteristics of this varietal, the Thieves ferment the pressed juice at cold temperatures in stainless steel and prevent the wine from undergoing malolactic fermentation. As a result, bright aromas, fresh fruit flavors and crisp, refreshing acidity make for a wine that’s so good, it’s a steal!
A crisp Chardonnay priced for everyday drinking that delivers flavor and pleasure. What’s not to like? With a bright golden color, Three Thieves Chardonnay is clean and crisp with a bit of everything we like in California Chardonnay - some citrus and some tropical fruit, a bit of toasty oak, a dab of creaminess to the texture, and a medium body. Partial malolactic fermentation softens tart flavors while keeping the flavors pure. Fermentation on American and French oak imparts a note of spice. Try this delicious Chardonnay with caesar salad, crab cakes, or pasta with creamy sauces.
Like all the Three Thieves wines, the 2020 Cabernet was made to open with abandon and enjoy with friends or family. Sourced from vineyards around Monterrey as well as Lodi, this is a California Cabernet that’s smooth and approachable, full-bodied but firm and full of flavor. Those features and the low price make it a great wine for all sorts of occasions: big weekend barbecues, cocktail parties, company events, gallery openings, or quiet evenings at home.
A real steal, Three Thieves Pinot Noir is generous, fruit-forward, smooth and silky, and mouthwateringly fresh. Though it’s priced as a weekday wine, this Pinot punches above its weight with complex aromas, concentrated flavors, structure and acidity. The fruit was sourced from vineyards in the Central Coast as well as in the Lodi/Clarksburg region. The blend includes 18% Syrah and 6% Petite Sirah for color and body. Enjoy with lamb, lightly-spiced South Asian cuisine, or soft creamy cheeses.