Sean Thackrey "Pleiades XXIV Old Vines" California Red Blend

Notes

If you try to find the exact cepage on this always-fantastic red blend, you might find yourself gazing up at the heavens for an answer, since you won't get one from the winemaker. The Pleiades might be the only super-allocated, cult California wine for under $25, and it's sure to sell out quickly, as previous vintages have. From "one of California's most iconic and mystical winemakers," says Robert Parker: "Sean Thackrey has logged in 20 or more vintages of consistently stunning wines that perhaps say it all with the simple quote on his label: -Sean A. Thackrey, Vintner, Bolinas, California." (8/2009) XXIV is a new release in 2015, and has not been professionally reviewed, but previous vintages, XXII and XXIII, scored 92 points with Wine Enthusiast and Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, respectively.