Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Region and Vineyards

Alexander Valley, nestled in northern Sonoma County, is a region celebrated for its warm climate, complex soils, and well-exposed hillsides—conditions ideally suited to Bordeaux varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. Flanked by the Mayacamas Mountains and nourished by the Russian River, the area experiences warm days and cool nights, preserving acidity while enabling optimal ripeness.

The Silver Oak estate vineyards in Alexander Valley benefit from gravelly loam soils that provide excellent drainage, promoting deep root systems and concentrating flavours. The 2020 growing season saw early budbreak and a reduced yield due to warm, dry conditions. These lower yields resulted in particularly concentrated berries. Despite the challenges of the vintage, the wine reflects the resilience of the vines and the meticulous work in both vineyard and cellar.

Winemaking

The 2020 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, and 0.6% Malbec, creating a classic Bordeaux-style blend with depth and nuance.

Following harvest, the grapes underwent fermentation before aging in American oak barrels, a hallmark of Silver Oak's signature style. Though the specific duration of barrel aging is not disclosed in the technical sheet, Silver Oak is known for aging its wines for approximately 24 months in new American oak, followed by additional bottle aging. The use of coopered American oak barrels crafted in their own facility adds consistency and a distinctive sweet spice character. The final blend was bottled and held until its release in August 2024, ensuring integration and finesse.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet reflections, showcasing youthful vibrancy and clarity.
• Aroma: Inviting aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and blackcurrant interwoven with cedar, cola, and a touch of vanilla and clove from oak aging.
• Palate: Silky yet structured, the palate opens with ripe red berries and sweet spice, revealing polished tannins and vibrant acidity. Notes of cola, baking spices, and a hint of dark chocolate lead to a long, balanced finish.

Did you know?

Silver Oak ages all its Cabernet Sauvignon exclusively in American oak, a rare commitment among top-tier producers. Moreover, they operate their own sustainably certified cooperage, The Oak, in Missouri, ensuring full control over barrel production and wood sourcing.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled ribeye with chimichurri – The wine’s robust fruit and fine tannins stand up to the char and richness of grilled beef.
• Mushroom risotto with thyme – Earthy umami tones complement the wine’s depth and cedar nuance.
• Roast duck with cherry glaze – Red fruit and acidity echo the sweet-savory interplay in the dish.
• Aged cheddar or gouda – The wine’s complexity and oak spice pair beautifully with mature cheeses.

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.