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.