Alexander Valley Vineyards
2012 "Cyrus" Red Blend
Red Blend
California: Sonoma County: Alexander Valley
Mission Briefing
Cyrus the Elder
The last time we featured an Alexander Valley Vineyards wine was back in 2015. The wine was the 2010 “Cyrus” Red Blend, and every last bottle of it was snapped up by our thirsty Operatives.
Today, we’re thrilled to present to you the 95 point successor to the worthy 2010, the darkly delicious Alexander Valley Vineyards 2012 “Cyrus” Red Blend. This exciting wine proudly carries on the tradition of Cyrus excellence, from its rich fruits to its earthy, spiced elegance.
Sweet and juicy on the nose, with Bing cherry, raspberry juice, red currant, dried cranberry, vanilla, toasty oak, subtle spice, creme brûlée and chocolate covered cherry.
Bold flavors splash onto the palate, with Bing cherry juice, raspberry, young strawberry, mixed spice, cocoa dust, darkly toasted oak, subtle burnt sugar and very subtle cracked peppercorn.
As with every past Cyrus, today’s has win numerous awards, leading with a big fat 95 pointer.
Here’s a full list of accolades:
~
95 points, Gold Medal & Best of Class of Region - California State Fair
~
90 points - Wine Enthusiast “Silky and textured with flavors of cassis, dark chocolate, dark fruits and cherries. A long structured finish.”
~
Gold Medal - Sonoma Harvest Fair
~
Gold Medal - Orange County (CA) Wine Competition
~
Gold Medal - San Francisco International Wine Competition
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Deep, dark ruby with fine red edging, a springy surface and round after round of tall, skinny tears. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | Bing cherry, raspberry juice, red currant, dried cranberry, vanilla, toasty oak, subtle spice, creme brûlée and chocolate covered cherry. |
| Taste: | Bing cherry juice, raspberry, young strawberry, mixed spice, cocoa dust, darkly toasted oak, subtle burnt sugar and very subtle cracked peppercorn. |
| Finish: | Super long and very plush, with red and black fruits that fade to reveal soft spice, cocoa and peppercorn at the tail end. |
| Pairing: | Enjoy with rosemary braised lamb shanks, souvlaki or a thick cowboy steak. |
What the Winery Says
- Winemaker
- Kevin Hall
- Appellation
- Alexander Valley
- Blend
- 76% Cabernet Sauvignon
- ~
- 12% Merlot
- ~
- 7% Cabernet Franc
- ~
- 3% Petit Verdot
- ~
- 2% Malbec
- Harvest date
- Sep 15 thru Oct 27, 2012
- Abv
- 14.3%
- pH
- 3.75
- Acid
- 7.5 g/L
- Aging
- 12 months
- Barrels
- 100% French oak
- Bottle aging
- 8 months
- Release Date
- 3/15/2014