Thackrey "Orion" Rossi Vyd. St. Helena 2004

Opaque purple.

Fresh, lifted nose of eucalyptus, spice, earth and blackberry cream.

Great breadth in the mouth, plush, with finer tannin than the 2001. Seems almost acid-driven, which buffers the initial textural sweetness. Nice tension.

Looking at these notes, I'm almost certain that the "experts" are correct - the Rossi Vineyard is comprised primarily of Petite Sirah. Which says nothing really, as the vineyard is obviously special, as is Thackrey's winemaking. Both vintages will be around for many years.

Day 3 - Still has great aromatic purity - blackberry/eucalyptus, cream - ridiculously fresh. Suave, yet quite structured, in the mouth. Deep blackberry/eucalyptus/cream character goes on and on. This is killer.

$75