2006 Sean Thackrey “Andromeda” Pinot Noir, Devil’s Gulch Vineyard, Marin County.
This was my first chance to try this rare and beautiful wine from the unique and brave winemaker Sean Thackrey, who has become a legend by making funky hand crafted wines. He makes wine in a natural and “In nature” style and his barrels live in the elements at his home on the Sonoma Coast near Bolinas. This wine is full of flavor and has rich classic Pinot fruit, with sweet plum, cherry and red berries. The wine has remarkable depth and is bursting at the seams like a great Burgundy. This turned out to be my favorite of Thackrey’s impressive portfolio for its complexity and the pleasure it gives. This Pinot is a stunner, with texture, spice and lots of exotic touches going on and nice acidity that lifts the flavors and gives it a freshness. This wine has a round velvet finish that shows pretty French oak at its sublime best. ($60 Est.) 94-95 Points, grapelive
*Can be ordered through Rancho Cellars
Call Jacques, Rancho Cellars 831-625-5646