Reviews & Ratings

2006 Alexander Valley Vineyards Red Blends or Varietals "Cyrus"

Winery: Alexander Valley Vineyards

Vintage: 2006

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Cyrus"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 4% Malbec, & 3% Petite Verdot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Alexander Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $57

Cases produced: 1,250

KWG Score: 91 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: February 26, 2011

Wine Review: This opaque and dark purple blend opens with a very attractive eucalyptus and black cherry bouquet. There was also a hint of new leather detected as well. I could smell this wine all day long. On the palate, this wine is medium to full bodied, balanced, and smooth. The flavor profile is a tasty black cherry and black raspberry blend with a touch of oak. The finish is dry and its building moderate tannins are sticky. Pair this wine with prime rib. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: Keeping with tradition, the 2006 is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon. The two vineyards that supplied the Cab yielded fruit with flavors of black cherries and plums. A good dose of Cabernet Franc gives the wine some depth and structure. Finally the whole package got some additional complexity from spending two years in barrel and another eight months in the bottle before release. It exhibits lush aromas of black cherry, plum, vanilla and a touch of mint. This big structured wine offers flavors of blackberry, cocoa and some rich mocha. The concentration makes this a wine that could easily cellar for up to 20 years. A richly flavored wine like CYRUS deserves richly flavored foods. Try it with horseradish-crusted short ribs.

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