Sean H. Thackrey

Marin County, CA
United States

Sean Thackrey is a cult winemaker in California known for his eccentric (though rather effective) approaches to oenology. He is an avid reader of ancient and Medieval texts, and this has influenced his unconventional techniques, including leaving grapes exposed outside “under the stars” for 24 hours while fermenting. His website includes an extensive online library of some of the early texts that inspired him.

Orion is his flagship wine, produced from a field blend from the Rossi vineyard, which has the distinction of growing old vine clones from pre-phylloxera Syrah. Many believe this is the truest expression of the grape since most of the ones in France became non-distinct hybrids due to the grafting initiative necessary to ward off the destructive mites (Syrah at one time had different classifications and clones in the Rhone, with each vineyard and appellation known for its unique strain of the grape. In the past century, for the sake of simplicity, all Syrah became classified Read more »

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Petite Sirah

History of the grape: Petite Syrah is often confused with its parent grape, Syrah, but it has been identified as a se...
Syrah

The irony here is that Syrah’s origins could give Carmen Sandiego a run for her international wallet. Syrah’s deepest...
Mourvèdre

History of the grape: Monastrell is a native of Spain, first grown in Murviedro near Valencia, and was eventually bro...
Sangiovese

Prounounced “San-joh-vay-say,” this Italian wine varietal is Tuscany’s #1 red wine grape. It’s the pistol of Central ...
Viognier

This special and exciting variety has taken California by storm and young plantings already demonstrate that this out...
Pinot Noir

“With so voluptuous a perfume, so sweet an edge, they make the blood run hot,” Joel Fleischman, wine columnist at Van...

People getting updates on Sean H. Thackrey Winery

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Sean H. Thackrey on Snooth

October 2014

D, you'll like this one. Read More

Forum post in the topic "Meanwhile, The Bolinas...
October 2013

Sean Thackrey Pleiades NV

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by minocencio
January 2013

Sean Thackrey Petite Sirah Mendocino County Sirius Eaglepoint Ranch 2004

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by rebeccawow
August 2012

I am a dyed in the wool fan of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlots, Sangiovese's and a few Chardonnays and Pinot Grigio's. I am trying to widen my spectrum to include Pinot Noir's. I live in the Pacific Northwest so the Pinot Noir's are readily available due to the large varieties from Oregon.Before I embark on purchasing some different brands I would l... Read More

Forum post in the topic Pinot Noir's
April 2012

Sean Thackrey Petite Sirah Mendocino County Sirius Eaglepoint Ranch 2009

Snoothrank:

Herbal and a bit medicinal on the nose, but fruit emerges on the palate - blueberry, black cherry - dark chocolate, eucalyptus and sage. All perfectly balanced. This can be consumed now, or even in 20 years! Read More

Wine review by Amanda Schuster
April 2012

Sean Thackrey Pinot Noir Marin County Andromeda Devil's Gulch Ranch 2009

Snoothrank:

Cally Pinot Noir with a real point of view. Bright, ripe cherries on the nose, but instead of the usual, heavy Cally vanilla oak, this is rounded out with herbal notes of pine needle and eucalyptus, with some earth and sweet pipe tobacco. Kept coming back to it. This might age wonderfully too. Read More

Wine review by Amanda Schuster
April 2012

Sean Thackrey Red Blend California Pleiades XXI Old Vines NV

Snoothrank:

Perfect example of how to break the rules in style. This is a non-vintage blend of Sangiovese, Viognier and Pinot Noir. Turns out these tastes taste great together, and you don't need to declare a vintage! Stewy spices - dill, mint, bay leaf - toasty vanilla, sweet cherries, a little chutney-like. Sounds crazy, but it totally works! Read More

Wine review by Amanda Schuster
Mar 8, 2011

These are beautifully crafted, full bodied wines reminiscent of a Rhone style in the Pleiades. The Sirius 2008 is a fully bodied, fruit forward wine with rich red cherry flavors bursting through. A lovely Petit Syrah from this Bolinas winemaker.

Comment by 760099pnonor 760099
December 2010

Sean Thackrey Red Blend California Pleiades XV Old Vines

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by jenmarie88
November 2010

Sean Thackrey "Pleiades Xix" Old Vine Red Blend NV

Snoothrank:

My favourite and most approachable of Thackrey's wines are his delightful Pleiades wines. Complex in the mouth, dark fruit, slight tannins, a bit of wood, a touch of barnyard - and the wine evolves throughout the evening into the morning, when you will be shocked that it is still drinkable and enjoyable. Read More

Wine review by Cameo Wood
November 2010

As some of you might remember I´ve built an underground winecellar about 1 year ago:http://www.snooth.com/talk/topic/building-my-underground-wine-cellar/The cellar is made of insulating concrete (basically like a swimming pool), which has the advantage of very stable conditions. My problem now is the temperature.Temperature balanced out at exact... Read More

Forum post in the topic Maximum temperature for long...