Product Description
Click to find out more.
Alexander Valley Vineyard, CYRUS, 2021, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California, America
Producer Profile
After purchasing the historic Cyrus Alexander homestead, Harry and Maggie Wetzel strived to create a thriving agricultural lifestyle on the property. They raised their children along with their vines in Alexander Valley, providing inspiration and encouragement as they developed the estate together.
Decades later, the fourth generation of their family is growing up amongst vineyards and next door to the working winery that is known around the world as “AVV”. You could call it a family tradition. The Wetzel Family would be inclined to agree.
Winemaker Kevin Hall is constantly adapting to the rhythms of nature, the readiness of the vineyards and the evolution of the individual wines. While their vineyards provide the sense of terroir and consistent character of fruit, the winemaking staff provide the invaluable experience. Their work is constant and crucial; topping up the barrels to minimize air contact as they develop, monitoring and measuring the young wines as they progress, and tasting, tasting, tasting. Decades of experience tying vineyard and winery together give AVV total control of wine production, resulting in rich, complex wines that showcase a truly robust sense of place.
Viticulture
Valley namesake Cyrus Alexander explored Northern California, settled, farmed, and raised his family on the property The Wetzel’s call home. Cyrus’ legacy is celebrated with each vintage of CYRUS, AVV’s premium Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. Showcasing the place Cyrus called “the best and brightest spot in the world”, this, the 27th vintage brings the essence of the valley and heritage of AVV to you.
2021 was almost a perfect growing season, though it began with a cold start, and lack of rain. The weather warmed up, but the drought continued. This was followed by weeks of steady daytime heat and cool evenings. The berries ripened evenly; however yields were a bit lighter than in prior vintages due to the lack of rainfall, resulting in grapes with loads of concentrated flavours.
Winemaking
After harvest, each lot was fermented and cave aged separately for 12 months, blended to showcase the vintage, then cave aged for an additional 12 months in French oak barrels to meld the flavours. Additional bottle aging resulted in a seamless blend.
Tasting Note
This dark purple wine is filled with layered fruit aromas that hint at the complex flavours in the glass. Cassis, black cherry, cherry, dark chocolate, vanilla and oak aromas lead to similar flavours. This vintage is a timeless classic with integrated tannins, beautiful balance, and a long, structured finish.
Goes well with
The Alexander Valley Vineyards CYRUS 2021 is a rich, full-bodied Bordeaux-style red blend. Its robust tannins, dark fruit flavours, and structured oak make it the ideal match for umami-rich red meats, savoury roasted dishes, and bold, hard cheeses.
Cellaring
10 – 15 years with careful cellaring.
Don’t just take our word for it…
“The nose of this rich Cabernet blend is led by aromas of black plum, cranberry, and chopped mint leaves, while the palate unfolds with rich tannin, juicy acidity, and flavours of cherry gastrique, berry coulis, herb mélange, and liquorice. Drink this with grilled lamb or venison.”93 points – Wine Enthusiast – T.R.C. Published 2/1/2026
“Rich and layered, with aromas of blackberries, plums, dark chocolate and cedar. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins and a long, structured finish. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and malbec. Drink or hold.” 93 points – James Suckling
Double Gold Medal – San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Intl Wine Competition
Features
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 55%, Merlot 26%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Malbec 2%, Petit Verdot 2%
Colour: Red
ABV: 14%
Closure: Natural cork
Style: Still
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: America
Region: Sonoma, California
Vintage: 2021
