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Be Committed!
Head High was founded in 2015 by Bill Price, Sonoma wine country entrepreneur and one time surfer dude, to champion Pinot Noir from great Sonoma vineyards as well sustainable viticulture and philanthropic-oriented business practices. Bill Price may be that major Sonoma County wine business leader that you have never heard of. For, while his name does not appear on any wine label or wine estate gate, he is an owner of or investor in many of Sonoma County’s storied wine producers, including Kistler Estate, Gary Farrell, and Kosta Browne, as well as the wineries he’s founded, Three Sticks and Head High. He also owns some famous vineyards, including Durrell and Gap’s Crown vineyards, whose fruit is used not only in Price’s wine projects but is purchased by several top-line Sonoma producers. Currently, Head High is offering Pinot Noir from the Sonoma County and Sonoma Coast AVAs, but the winery has worked with Zinfandel, Grenache, and Tempranillo in the past, either in a rosé or a red blend. In addition to standard glass bottles, Head High is producing Pinot Noir in 250 ml aluminum cans, which are super convenient for wine lovers heading for the outdoors and are 100% recyclable, too. For every two bottles of Head High purchased, the company donates one dollar to either the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation or Sustainable Surf, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the oceans.
Wine MakerBritt Richards
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
Bright and zesty Head High Chardonnay is a luscious and mouthwatering white wine bursting with ripe pear and green apple flavors. And even though it’s made from excellent Sonoma County fruit, it’s available for a price that’s lower than one would expect. The secret lies in Bill Price’s excellent connections with owners of top, cool-climate Sonoma vineyards, who sell him their fruit at extremely friendly prices. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel, and, unlike most Chardonnay, does not undergo malolactic fermentation. The flavors stay crisp and fresh— more apple and lemon than tropical fruit and buttery. Even so, this wine is full-bodied and luscious in its mouthfeel. An excellent choice with Thai-style grilled chicken.
Here’s a pure, unadulterated Pinot Noir that expresses all the bright but deep characteristics that make this noble variety so hard to pin down - much less stop drinking! Sealing the deal is a price that’s far lower that one would expect from a wine of this pedigree and quality. Head High is sourced from five vineyards in the Russian River, Bennett Valley, Petaluma Gap, and Sonoma Valley AVAs. Some of these sites see plenty of fog all summer, producing fruit that’s bright, refreshing and high in acidity. Sunnier days at the other vineyards produce fruit with higher sugars and darker flavors for intensity, richness and depth. All the vineyards have such great reputations that several of Sonoma’s best producers buy the grapes for their top wines. The bright red fruit, crisp acidity and power of this wine all stand out. Serving slightly chilled will help mute the sharp edges.