Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Region and Vineyards

Napa Valley, located in California, is renowned for its ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, sunny days and cooler nights, which helps in developing balanced and complex wines. Napa Valley's diverse soil types contribute to the unique characteristics of its wines, ranging from volcanic soils in the higher elevations to gravelly soils on the valley floor.

Silver Oak's Napa Valley vineyards are meticulously maintained, ensuring optimal grape health and quality. This vintage experienced ample winter rain, which transitioned into a mild spring, setting the stage for an even bud break. This vintage enjoyed warm and steady summer months, allowing the fruit to ripen at a leisurely pace, resulting in intense flavors and deep complexity.

Winemaking

The Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterful blend composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.2% Merlot, 5.1% Cabernet Franc, 3.2% Petit Verdot, and 0.5% Malbec. Each varietal is harvested at peak ripeness, ensuring the perfect balance of flavor and structure.

The winemaking process at Silver Oak includes traditional techniques combined with modern innovations. After fermentation, the wine is aged in American oak barrels, which contributes to its distinctive vanilla and spice notes. Aging lasts for approximately 24 months, allowing the wine to develop its complex layers and smooth tannins. The wine is then bottled and further aged to achieve optimal maturity.

Did you know?

Silver Oak Cellars is one of the few wineries that focuses exclusively on producing Cabernet Sauvignon. Founded in 1972 by Raymond Twomey Duncan and Justin Meyer, Silver Oak has a long-standing reputation for crafting some of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernet Sauvignons.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Ruby red with a hint of garnet at the rim.
• Aroma: Aromas of strawberry, fresh carnation, black pepper, and vanilla.
• Palate: The wine builds in strength and body across the mid-palate with a blackberry character on the finish and a bright cherry return. Integrated tannins make it expressive yet luxurious, with an even, balanced finish.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Ribeye Steak: The robust flavors of the steak complement the wine's rich texture and bold tannins.
• Roasted Lamb Chops: The savory and herbaceous notes of lamb enhance the wine's complexity and depth.
• Mushroom Risotto: The earthy flavors of mushrooms pair beautifully with the wine's dark fruit and spice elements.
• Aged Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of aged cheddar balances the wine's lush fruit and oak characteristics.

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.