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%
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
95 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
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