Why to buy: Not all Pinot Noir is created equal. In fact, there are over 50 recognized clones of the grape, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The job of the winemaker is to blend these clones into a seamless and singular finished product. And this collection of 2010 Cassiopeia allows you to watch a master winemaker at work. The six-bottle set includes one bottle of each of Dijon clones 114, 115, 667, and 777, and two bottles of Sean Thackery's proprietary blend of all four clones. Drink the four single-clone bottles side by side both for the individual pleasures they provide, and for a deeper understanding of the extraordinary blend.

Characteristics: Each of the single-clone wines offers its own subtle, fruit-forward pleasures, while the blend brings a silky sensuality to the palate. Thisis a Pinot Noir lover's dream come true.

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir, four different clones
Appellation: Anderson Valley
Alcohol: 14.3%

Here's what you get:Two bottles of 2010 Pinot Noir, a blend of all four clones grown on Wentzel Vineyard. One bottle of each individual clone: Dijon 114, 115, 667, and 777

Backstory: For the past three decades, Sean Thackrey has created a series of iconic and critically acclaimed wines in Bolinas, California. Guided by his artistic intuition and methods culled from ancient texts, Thackrey pioneered an experimental hand-crafted approach to creating brilliant California wines, often from obscure vineyard sources and varietals. The wines have created a cult following of connoisseurs seeking highly-extracted, intensely flavored, inky-black red wines and lush white that are immensely flattering while young and powerfully elegant after cellaring. Ancient vines, tiny juice yields, and oak aging have resulted in small production numbers and remarkable quality levels. La Revue du Vin de France has recognized Sean Thackrey one of the ten great winemakers of North America. Robert Parker has reviewed his wines since 1981 and has never awarded less than 90 points to any vintage release.