CYRUS - our 22nd vintage
In 1840 Alexander Valley namesake Cyrus Alexander rode into our valley and called it the "brightest and best spot in the world". He chose this spot to build his home and raise his family, and many years later we would do the same. Our 22nd release is our tribute to the man, the region and the very best of the vintage.
2017 was a vintage of contrasts, with ample January and February rainfall, followed by a warm spring and rolling heat spikes throughout the summer. The nine lots ultimately selected for the blend were harvested over a period of 33 days. After harvest each lot was fermented and aged separately for 12 months, blended to showcase the vintage, then aged for an additional 12 months in French oak barrels to meld the flavors. Additional bottle aging resulted in a seamless blend.
The rich dark purple color only hints at the intense, layered aromas in the glass. Scents of cassis, black cherry, boysenberry, cedar, dark chocolate, along with notes of toasty oak and vanilla are indicative of the concentration of this blend. While lush, the 2017 has incredible structure and balance with dark fruit flavors of cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate, barrel spice and cardamom. As this wine sits in the glass it just keeps building on itself, hinting at the complexity that will occur with additional cellar aging.
Accolades:
2017: 98 points - Somm Journal
2017: 98 points & Five Stars - Beverage Dynamics / Cheers
2017: 95 points & Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast
2017: 92 points - James Suckling
2017: 91 points - California State Fair
2017: Double Gold Medal - Hilton Head Island International Wine Competition
2017: Gold Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
