The 2012 vintage of this great wine was our Agent Red’s own Top Selection of 2018 during our Wine Intrigue Awards (WIA) period. We asked him to weigh in on today’s 2013 “Cyrus” Red Blend and here’s what he said: “If this wine is still available during our next WIA, this wine is a contender for our Wine of the Year!” Yeah. The wine is that good.

Deep, dark, and brooding, this is clearly a big Cab as it’s garnet hue is impenetrable to light. The nose on this proves that Napa does not have a monopoly on Cabernet. All the hallmarks with equal parts blackberries, vanilla bean, cedar, blood orange with a hint of white pepper and minerality. The palate is equally lush with tobacco, leather, plum compote, black cherry, black plum, and red pepper. YUM! Drinks like a perfectly structured mountain Cabernet with layer after layer after layer unfolding as it glides across the palate for an impeccable finish. With all the money you saved, you can afford the filet mignon and still have enough left over for roses.

The Wetzel family planted their first vineyards in 1963. In 1968, they bottled their very first Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1975, they officially opened Alexander Valley Vineyards. Just one year later, their Chardonnay was receiving global attention, thanks to the famous Judgement of Paris Tasting, in which California Chardonnay, grown in the Alexander Valley, won over the French judges. The world had fallen in love with Alexander Valley wines. In 1995, their first vintage of Cyrus was born, paying homage to 20 great years of winemaking at AVV. Nearly 20 years on, we’re super proud to present you with their newest vintage, today’s stunning 2013!

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

93 points - Robert Parker, 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.”

91 points - 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.”

90 points - Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast - “While Cabernet Sauvignon-driven, this blend includes all five major red Bordeaux varieties. It offers plenty of full-bodied richness within framing, structured tannins. The palate is marked by flavors of leather saddle, pencil, black cherry and cassis.”