Silver Oak Cellars
2012 & 2015 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
I recently wrote about Silver Oak Cellars having its roots dating back to 1972, see October 18, 2019 review of Silver Oak 2014 Napa Cabernet. Over time, Silver Oak continued to acquire vineyard land, including the Red Tail and Miraval Vineyards in Alexander Valley and the Soda Canyon Ranch and Jump Rock in Napa Valley. The winery also developed close relationships with longtime growers in both appellations. The result is that both the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and the Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon are blends, made from grapes grown in both wineries’ estate vineyards as well as growers’ vineyards in both regions. The two wines have always been separate and distinct, consistently representing the very best of their respective appellations. Today I will discuss their Alexander Valley offerings, which I tasted in their beautiful Napa winery.
Silver Oak from time to time offers some “Library Wines” which provide a tremendous insight on how their wine develops year to year. I recommend to check out their availability, click this link “LibraryWines” to go to their site. If you find your travels to Napa, I recommend a visit to their stunning Napa winery, which was rebuilt into a new state-of-the-art facility after a 2006 fire destroyed their historic Oakville winery. Below is a picture of their Historic Tower in Oakville which graces the bottle label.
Keep checking back with SippingFineWine.com as I recently made a trip to Napa during 2019 harvest, visited several wineries, tasted some great wines, and met some outstanding individuals. I’ll continue to report on my discoveries.
Silver Oak 2012 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
A blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot, blended then aged for 24 months in 50% new and 50% once-used American oak. Deep Ruby color with aromas of black fruit, licorice and minty floral notes. The palate beautifully displays rich ripe blackberry and black cherry, a hint of sweetness, vivid acidity and the right touch of toasty vanilla oak, still youthful in development. The wine has nicely integrated tannins, still holds some grip on a long finish which should give way to let this wine age for the next decade+. Excellent, Tasting Sample!
Silver Oak 2015 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, blended then aged for 24 months in 50% new and 50% once-used American oak. Deep Ruby with slight purple hue color, youthful aromas of black fruit, sweet cacao and complex spice. On the palate flavors of rich ripe juicy berries and cherries, a core of sweet fruit with oak and vanilla notes. The wine has nicely integrated firm and graceful tannins on a long finish. This wine is displaying primary fruits on its ending and just beginning to develop some secondary aging, has a long way age and develop, but very approachable to enjoy now. Excellent, Tasting Sample!
Cheers!