Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

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Silver Oak
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
  • Vintage : 2018
  • Country : USA
  • Region : California
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,4°
  • Grappes : 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a vibrant and elegant wine, showcasing the essence of Alexander Valley with its juicy, fruit-forward character and long aging potential.

Experts Score Vintage
DCT Decanter 92 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Alexander Valley, located in Sonoma County, California, is renowned for its warm climate and diverse soils, which are ideal for growing premium Cabernet Sauvignon. The valley benefits from the cooling influence of the Pacific fog that rolls in during the evenings, providing natural air conditioning that preserves the grapes' acidity and freshness. This vintage experienced a near-perfect growing season, marked by cooler spring temperatures and well-timed rains that filled the soil to capacity, leading to an even bloom and a generous fruit set.

This vintage was particularly remarkable due to its long and steady ripening period, which allowed the grapes to achieve synchronized physiological and aromatic maturity. Harvest began on September, about two weeks later than usual, resulting in a standout vintage with exceptional accessibility in its youth and excellent aging potential.

Winemaking

The Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from 94.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.2% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. The blend emphasizes the rich, complex flavors typical of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

The winemaking process involves meticulous care and attention to detail. The wine is aged in American oak barrels, which impart notes of caramel and spice to the final product. The wine is then aged for additional time in the bottle to achieve its optimal balance and maturity before release. With an alcohol content of 14.4%, this wine is robust yet refined, embodying the best characteristics of its varietal components.

Did you know?

Silver Oak Cellars has been a pioneer in sustainable winemaking practices. Their Alexander Valley winery is LEED Platinum certified, reflecting their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Ruby red
  • Aroma: Notes of cassis, caramel, juniper, and pomegranate.
  • Palate: Fresh and vibrant with a juicy, fruit-forward core. The wine has a silky mouthfeel that enhances its drinking pleasure. Given proper cellaring, this wine will provide enjoyment through 2044.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled Porterhouse Steak: The robust flavors of the steak complement the wine's rich texture and bold fruit notes.
  • Braised Short Ribs: The savory and tender meat enhances the wine's complexity and depth.
  • Roasted Portobello Mushrooms: The earthy flavors of the mushrooms pair beautifully with the wine's vibrant fruit and spice elements.
  • Dark Chocolate: The bittersweet richness of dark chocolate balances the wine's lush fruit and caramel notes.

History of Silver Oak Estate

Silver Oak Cellars was founded in 1972 by Raymond Twomey Duncan and Justin Meyer with a singular vision: to produce the best Cabernet Sauvignon possible. The winery's name was inspired by a visit to a property named Silver Oak Farm, and it has since become synonymous with high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ray Duncan, a Colorado businessman, and Justin Meyer, a former Christian Brother and winemaker, shared a passion for creating a wine that would stand the test of time. Justin Meyer’s meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard and the cellar established a strong foundation for Silver Oak’s winemaking philosophy. In 1994, Justin Meyer sold his share of the winery to Ray Duncan and retired, appointing Daniel Baron as the winemaker.

Daniel Baron continued to uphold the legacy of quality and excellence at Silver Oak until his retirement in 2016, passing the baton to Nate Weis, the current winemaker. Nate, who has a rich background in viticulture and enology, brings a modern perspective while maintaining the traditions that have made Silver Oak wines legendary.

Region and Vineyards

Silver Oak has vineyards in two premier wine regions: Napa Valley and Alexander Valley. Both regions offer unique conditions ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • Napa Valley, renowned for its diverse microclimates and soils, provides a perfect environment for growing grapes with intense flavors and complexity. The Napa Valley vineyards benefit from warm, sunny days and cool nights, allowing for balanced acidity and well-structured wines.
  • Alexander Valley, located in Sonoma County, is known for its warm climate moderated by the Pacific Ocean's cooling fog. This region produces Cabernet Sauvignon with bright fruit flavors and elegant tannins, reflecting the valley's unique terroir.

Wine Range

Silver Oak specializes in producing Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is dedicated to crafting two distinct expressions from its Napa Valley and Alexander Valley vineyards. Each wine is a reflection of its region's terroir, meticulously crafted to ensure the highest quality: 

  • Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine is known for its richness and depth, with flavors of blackberry, chocolate, and spice. It is aged in American oak barrels, contributing to its distinctive character and complexity.
  • Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Characterized by its vibrant fruit flavors and silky texture, this wine offers notes of cassis, caramel, and pomegranate. It is approachable in its youth yet has excellent aging potential.

Did you know?

Silver Oak is one of the few wineries in the world to use only American oak barrels for aging its wines. This tradition started in the 1970s when the founders believed that American oak enhanced the wine's flavors, adding a unique vanilla and coconut profile that has become a signature of Silver Oak wines.

Decanter (DCT) : 92 Points (2018)
Fragrant with sweet spice, vanilla and toast, plus blackcurrant, brambly blackberries, florals, resiny herbs and cedar unfolding in the glass. Full-bodied with a fine but firm tannin structure that speaks of longevity, the palate offers up pleasing tart cherry fruit spiced with anise. Silver Oak remains committed to its use of American oak barrels and owns its own cooperage to control the process and improve quality. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certified and Living Building Challenge certified from the International Living Future Institute.

Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Silver Oak
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JS
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DCT
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