Pleiades XVI.
The okie in me is dying to say this first: I’m gonna tell you what, that Sean Thackery sure can blend the shit out of wine, which is to say that Sean Thackery works ancient texts on wine (apparently he’s familiar with seven languages) to help create a special blend called Pleiades. Though the varietals may vary from year to year in this wine, a core list generally appears: syrah, sangiovese, mourvèdre, barbera, carignane, petite sirah and viognier. Thackery blends to taste and doesn’t keep records of what he puts in (or so he says). A very thin tightrope, indeed. The wine itself is juicy, complex, and subtle, with a mouthfeel that defines balance. If you can find it, buy it. ($22). **