Winemaker Notes
Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of predominately Cabernet Sauvignon (76%) and Merlot (12%) with some Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, the 2012 Cyrus has a deep garnet color and slowly evolving nose of crème de cassis, plum preserves and cedar box with hints of underbrush, pencil lead, cloves and charcoal, plus a waft of bay leaves. The medium-bodied palate delivers tons of muscular fruit with a firm frame of grainy tannins and lively acid, finishing long with plenty of berry preserves, herb and earth layers.
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Wine Enthusiast
This blends 76% Cabernet Sauvignon with 12% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. Bright and mellow on the palate, it shows black raspberry, cola and brown sugar flavors offset by earthy undertones. The oak is integrated and supportive.
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.