Sean Thackrey wines

[Vange]

http://articles.sfgate.com/2004-10-21/wine/17449029_1_winemaking-grapes-sean-thackrey

I read this article and was instantly fascinated in trying Mr Thackrey's wine. I have 2 Sirius and 2 Pleiades XVII coming and can report back after I sample them if anyone is interested.

Anyone ever had ST wines or no more than this article talks about?

[fussychicken]

Haha, yeah I heard about this guy a couple of years back, but wasn't overly motivated to track down any of his quite expensive wines. However I just recently did find a bottle of his Petite Sirah that I am looking forward to opening up soon.

An interesting baby-documentary on the guy:

http://www.chow.com/stories/11546

I love the fact he is trying different things which is very fun and exciting. However, it is unfortunate to see the prices. Tis a shame that this sounds too similar to what is happening in the bourbon world these days no?

[Vange]

I have 2 of his PETS Sirius on its way to me. I'll open one as soon as I get it. PETS are one of my favorite varietals. He does produce Pleiades which is under $30 a bottle.

[Vange]

So, I received my 2006 Sirius by Sean Thackrey and opened one immediately and decanted for over an hour.

Inky and opaque

Chewy wine

Eucalyptus domination on nose and palate

Hints of green peppers, but mostly darker fruits especially raspberries

Tannic (can age from 5-15 more years and keep getting better)

A unique melding of flavors, tannins, acidity, and nose. This reminds me of a 05 Bordeaux crossed with a bold Italian wine crossed with a big cali cab.

I ordered 2 more...

[fussychicken]

Interesting notes Vange! Even after years, I'm still pretty new to the wine world, (you think the bourbon world is intimidating!) but we pulled the cork on our bottle of 2002 Sirius, and it was good.

It actually started out with very little nose and body, but you could tell there was something there. I'm guessing this is what wine guys call tight or closed? We drank 2 glasses, and then let the wine sit in the bottle another day. The next day it had opened up much more. Much nicer nose and body. Still not overly bold in the flavor department compared to some other Petite Sirahs I've had, but still good. I'm guessing this wine has what experienced wine tasters crave, aka balance?

In any case, this was the bottle that convinced us to buy a decanter. Now I just have to convince myself to go pick up those other couple of 2002 bottles!

I'd love to hear the thoughts of anyone who has had any of his Orion.

[Vange]

I ordered 2 of the 2007 vintage. I figure the 8 years in bottle may have mellowed yours out a bit. The 06 was definitely a viscous wine.

What other PETS have you had?

It tends to be one of my fav varietals as of late. The Robert Biale Royal Punisher. Switchgeback Ridge, and Petite Petit (PETS and Petit Verdot blend) are some of my favorites.

[Vange]

Interesting notes Vange! Even after years, I'm still pretty new to the wine world, (you think the bourbon world is intimidating!)

If you ever get to it, just when you think you know wine you come across the region of Burgundy.....That is a whole new level of intimidation.

I am freelance wine columnist that I do for fun so in my circle of friends I seem very knowledgable, but when I read some of the books out there and visit wine forums, I know I still have tons to learn.

[fussychicken]

Yeah, I only occasionally venture into the french side. Not that I dislike the flavors, but it is just all so complex. But to be fair, the US (esp California) is getting more complex by the day.

In any case, I'm a bit of a Petite Sirah nerd. Six or so years ago, I hit upon a winery in a weird part of norcal called Guenoc that was (is?) a big proponent of Petite Sirah, and that is what got me started. I've slacked off the past couple of years in the PETS category, but have tried about a dozen different producers more recently. Two good ones out of that batch:

'06 Stags Leap Petite Sirah: Its kinda expensive (~$35) but quite good. Not a fruit bomb, but good strong concentration all the way through nose, body, and finish.

'04 Mettler Petite Sirah: Just stumbled on these guys by accident, and loved it, especially for the price! Got a nice '04 for like twelve bucks. Tons of berry flavor.

[CorvallisCracker]

In any case, I'm a bit of a Petite Sirah nerd. Six or so years ago, I hit upon a winery in a weird part of norcal called Guenoc that was (is?) a big proponent of Petite Sirah, and that is what got me started.

[Vange]

Mettler is on my short list and Relentless is great wine!