2010 Sean Thackrey Wentzel Vineyard Cassiopeia Pinot Noir

Sean Thackrey is a Bay Area fine arts dealer who in 1980 founded his own small winemaking venture in Marin County. Using grapes sourced from the area, he makes very limited amounts of wines, primarily Petite Sirah, Syrah, Mourvedre, Pinot Noir and blends. He is owner and winemaker and is particularly known for his Pleiades blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, Mourvedre, Barbera, Carignan, Petite Sirah and Viognier, though the blend changes with each vintage. Sean Thackrey wines are generally available through his mailing list.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.