93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
93 Points, James Suckling
In 1995, the first vintage of Cyrus was born, paying homage to namesake Cyrus Alexander who rode into the valley in 1840 and called it the "brightest and best spot in the world". Today 30 years on, the 27th release is a tribute to the man, the region and the best of the stunning 2021 vintage.
Suffice it to say we negotiated a steal on this near perfect high quality classic 97 point (Wine Spectator) vintage. While this bottle usually commands $75, we're clearing the cellar at $49.95. Once these cases are gone, the deal is over.
The Vibe: Rich, Bordeaux-style red blend that is expressive, aromatic, elegant and balanced.
Palate: Lush ripe blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, cedar, supple, fleshy mouthfeel.
Structure: Full-bodied and well-defined, featuring firm, silky tannins and juicy acidity designed to age for over a decade.
Verdict: At a $75 retail price, it's a contender. At $49.95? It's a must buy.
Rating: 96 Points (Value Adjusted).
Our Perfect Pairing Recommendation
We highly recommend uncorking this beauty alongside a perfectly plated grilled lamb chop. Begging to be paired with a savory, herb-crusted lamb dish and a side of roasted, herb-tossed potatoes. Pour a generous "hero" glass, let it breathe, and enjoy a Michelin-star-level pairing right at your dining table.
Alexander Valley (AVA)
Often considered the king of the region, the Cabernets are known for being plush, voluptuous, and accessible while still having excellent structure. The AVA features wide, flat valley floors and steep, southwest-facing hillsides in the Mayacamas Mountains. The intense afternoon sun and cool, fog-laden nights provide the perfect diurnal shift for developing deep color and complex flavors. The Russian River has deposited gravelly, well-draining soils throughout the valley, forcing vines to struggle and produce concentrated berries. Compared to Napa, Alexander Valley wines are often seen as more approachable in their youth, offering a "supple" or "fleshy" mouthfeel. Established in 1984, the region has a long history of grape growing and a strong commitment to sustainable, environmentally friendly farming practices.
Vintage
2021 was almost a perfect growing season, though it began with a cold start, and lack of rain. The weather warmed up, but the drought continued. This was followed by weeks of steady daytime heat and cool evenings. The berries ripened evenly; however yields were a bit lighter than in prior vintages due to the lack of rainfall, resulting in grapes with loads of concentrated flavors.
Winemaking
The grapes were harvested by hand, carefully destemmed, then sorted and gently crushed into small fermenting tanks for 12 days, with an additional time on the skins to maximize the extractions of aromas, flavors and tannins. Each lot was fermented and cave aged separately for over a year, then blended to showcase the vintage, and cave aged for an additional year, for a total of 24 months in French oak barrels to meld the flavors together. Additional bottle aging resulted in a seamless blend.
Winemaker: Kevin Hall
Appellation: 100% Alexander Valley, Sonoma County
Varietal Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon 55%, Merlot 26%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Petit Verdot 2%, Malbec 2%
Aging: 24 months French oak barrels
pH: 3.56
TA: 6.8 g/L
Alcohol: 14.3%
95 Points
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
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