n.v. Sean Thackrey, Pleiades XXII Old Vines, California Red Table Wine.
Pleiades is a totally unique blend of grapes and vintages crafted by Sean Thackrey and gobbled up by his legions of rabid followers and the adventurous wine geeks looking for something completely different. In any given vintage Pleiades has a mix of Pinot Noir, Barbera, Sangiovese, Syrah and a few white grapes as well as anything else that might play an interesting part, making for medium bodied red that has a very distinct array of flavors that has stayed remarkably consistent over the years. With lower, moderate alcohol coming in at about 13% the new XXII edition of Pleiades feels smooth and refined on the palate with a nose of garden herbs, menthol, dried flowers and baked cherries leading to a palate of plum, strawberry, cherry and red peach with hints of blueberry and plenty of fennel and anise along with tea, savory spices and a saline note. This is a very pleasant, if not waky, red that always produces a grin and a few chuckles.
($28 Est.) 90-91 Points, grapelive
