Thackrey "Orion" Rossi Vyd., St. Helena 2000

Saturated purple/red.

Vinturi - great, integrated, nose runs the whole court - subdued mint, grilled meat, blackberry, oak smoke, earth, hazelnut.

Intense, middle-weight feel. Center-packed, but this has nice textural "give". Wilted mint and earth flavors dominate. Acid-driven tannin builds in the finish. Needs several more years in the bottle. Far better tomorrow and the day after..


$75. Syrah/Petite Sirah - who knows. Old vineyard. 100% new Sirugue Burgundy barrels barely show.