Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
(Sonoma County, California) - [DM 92]

About the Winery:
Silver Oak Cellars is a family-owned, California winery dedicated to producing only Cabernet Sauvignon. Silver Oak was established in 1972 by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer. It is currently operated by Ray's sons David Duncan, who serves as the President and CEO, and his brother, Tim Duncan, who serves as Executive Vice President. Silver Oak has two wineries; one in Oakville in the Napa Valley and one in Healdsburg in the Alexander Valley.

Blending & Ageing:
Ruby in color, the 2018 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of cassis, caramel, juniper and pomegranate. Lifted and vibrant on the nose, this wine is fresh on the palate with a juicy, fruit-forward core. Its silky mouthfeel will provide drinking pleasure through 2044 given proper cellaring conditions.

A blend of 94.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc blended in early 2019, the 2018 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was transferred to American oak barrels from Silver Oak's own cooperage, The Oak, where it aged for 18 months. Blending before barrel aging—a signature of their winemaking style—allows blends to be based on the inherent qualities of their vineyard components before oak influence. Vintage to vintage, the resulting Cabernets emerge integrated and ready to drink upon release. 

Varietal Composition: 94.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Alexander Valley
ABV: 14.4%

Tasting Notes

Offering flavors of cassis, caramel and pomegranate, this wine is vibrant, fresh, and fruit-forward with a silky mouthfeel. Drink now through 2044.

92 Points - Decanter:
"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." -SS (8/2022)