1996 Orion Syrah

(13.6% alcohol): Bright ruby-red. Lovely aromatic lift to the ripe aromas of raspberry, licorice, herbs, mocha, pepper and aromatic spices. Plush, silky and sweet on the palate, conveying a sexy saline quality to the pliant flavors of black raspberry, licorice and spices. Finishes with firm but very fine-grained tannins and superb persistence. Turned a bit more peppery as it opened in the glass, with the tannins showing a faint dry edge. Superb wine but I'd drink this before the 1995.