Winemaker Notes
Blend: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Cyrus is the winery’s highest expression of Cabernet. This 2010 shows the softness and slight herbaceousness of Alexander Valley, but it’s rich and delicious in blackberries, cherries, currants and sandalwood. Blended from all five classic Bordeaux varieties, it holds subtle complexity.
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Wine & Spirits
A blend of cabernet (51 percent), merlot (28 percent), franc (18 percent) and some malbec and petit verdot, this is winemaker Kevin Hall’s selection of top estate-grown lots. It shows the zestiness of the cool 2010 vintage and the dark-fruited potency resulting from a September heat spike that caused problems in some vineyards. Here, that power is appetizing rather than blousy, a bold streak of cassis and cedar carried in a lush texture, with enough tannic friction to focus that exuberance toward a rare steak.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.