The 1997 Cyrus from Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, has 13.4% alcohol, and at 19 years old, it’s at peak.
Costing about $65, this blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 13% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot and 2 % Syrah, all coming from their Wetzel Family Estate, is as close to classic Bordeaux as it gets. (Of course, Bordeaux has no Syrah)
After decanting for sediment, the wine paired well with dinner.
The Cyrus scored 18 points on the 20-point Dionysian Scale. It was still a deep red, had black fruit and oak aromas, was balanced, and had a long lingering dry aftertaste. It could hold another five to ten years, but is perfect now. I’ve found few new world wines that can do this. It’s a gold medal wine. In vino veritas.
The Cyrus paired well with venison and pork sausage, sweet potato, and white onion, and zucchini on a cold winter’s evening just before another snow storm.
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