Sean Thackrey Orion (Syrah) 2016

(Probably) mostly Syrah from the Andrew Rossi vineyard in the middle of St. Helena in the Napa Valley, a legendary old vineyard with ancient and gnarled head-pruned vines over a hundred years old. This is where the variety uncertainty stems from and some of the vines may be Durif.  The colour is purple-black, aromas are of mint and blackberry notes with floral hints. Great intensity, full-body, big black fruit on the palate with tints of eucalyptus and minerality, tannin considerable but well-integrated and supple, lovely balance, elegant acidity and hugely long length. This is one of California’s classics.