Winemaker Notes
The 2013 has dark purple color and intense earthy aromas of cassis, black cherry, chocolate, and cherry along with toasty oak and vanilla. This is a silky wine with flavors of cassis, dark chocolate, dark fruits and chocolate covered cherries. The 2013 CYRUS boasts smooth texture, excellent balance and a long structured finish.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2013 Cyrus is deep garnet in color with a hint of purple. The nose gives up slowly evolving notions of baked blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, dried mulberry and plum pudding with nuances of Chinese five spice, tapenade and charcuterie plus a waft of cigar box. Full-bodied with a lively backbone and chewy frame, it delivers maturing black fruits and a long, spicy finish. 2,000 cases produced.
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Decanter
Sweetly-fruited and open style where red apple aromas co-mingle with incense and forest floor. Sappy and bright palate with animated red fruit and lingering sweet spices.
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.