Winemaker Kevin Hall selects the most distinctive lots of our estate Bordeaux grapes for CYRUS. Overall 2009 was a cooler vintage with fewer heat spikes than in past years, so the acidity of this vintage is slightly higher than prior releases. The growing season allowed for uniform ripening in the Alexander Valley which led to wines with good structure, balance and complexity. Each lot is barrel aged separately for 12-14 months, then we blend to showcase the vintage. The 2009 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with exceptional concentration & lush texture; Merlot with concentration & structure; Cabernet Franc with finesse & depth; Petit Verdot for vivid color & richness and Malbec for deep color & depth. The completed blend was then barrel aged for an additional 12 months in 100% French oak, allowing the components to meld and giving the wine seamless texture and rich complexity.