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%
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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.
Inky, plush, cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
96 Points
Bold and luxurious with inviting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, notes of cedar and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
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.
Chewy & Ripe
Dark purplish-black with aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, and black tea. Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight. Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This opulent wine opens with aromas of blackberry, black plum, violets and spice on the nose. Flavors on the palate of dark cherry, sarsaparilla and orange zest wrap around dried tobacco leaf, malt chocolate and toasted vanilla, with a long, supple finish.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
93 Points
Depth, balance and big flavors. The nose evokes black cherry pie, licorice, plums, vanilla, and notes of chocolate. On the palate, it bursts with cassis, red currants, toasted walnuts, and chocolate. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
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