1989 Orion Syrah
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
(13.4% alcohol; from a vintage that Thackrey described as very difficult owing to a huge rain in mid-September): Deep red. Aromas of mocha, smoke, bacon fat and fruit cake, with little sign of fresh fruit. Then big, round, sweet and mouthfilling, showing surprising verve to its flavors of dark raspberry, spices and menthol. Broad, sweet, nicely balanced wine with a silky texture, well-integrated acidity and resolved tannins. Thackrey ended up picking very late in 1989, three weeks after the big rain.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
As I have stated so many times before, Sean Thackrey's limited production gems are among the most original expressions of winemaking in California. The 1989 Orion, from the Syrah grape, is a more elegantly stated wine, with impressive dark ruby color, the tell-tale cassis, bacon fat, roasted aroma, rich, graceful, medium to full-bodied flavors, surprisingly soft tannins, and a velvety finish. It is a beautifully made Syrah that may not be as powerful and intense as some of Thackrey's predecessors, but is probably the most elegant, authoritatively flavored Syrah he has yet produced. It should drink beautifully for 12-15 years.