Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
(Sonoma County, California) - [DM 96] [JS 93]

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:
The 2021 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is comprised of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. After blending in early 2022, the wine was transferred to American oak barrels from Silver Oak's cooperage, The Oak, where it aged for 24 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.

Composition: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot

Appellation: Alexander Valley

ABV: 14.6%

Tasting Notes:
Uncork the character of cedar, vanilla and clove layered over a lush foundation of blackberry, black cherry and ripe raspberry. The first sip is elegant and assured. Silky tannins provide structure, while bright acidity lifts the rich fruit profile. A broad mid-palate gives way to a long, polished finish that lingers with quiet intensity. A vintage crafted for those who appreciate the art of patience and precision.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Decanter Magazine:
“The 2021 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley was harvested between 4 September and 8 October. The blend comprises 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot and 1% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. After blending, it was barrel-aged for 24 months in American oak, 50% of which was new, followed by 14 months of bottle ageing prior to release. The wine is beautifully layered and highly fragrant, with remarkable precision and focus in this vintage. Medium- to full-bodied, it integrates the hallmark Silver Oak American spice character through cedarwood aromatics, elegant whispers of vanilla bean, and nuances of fresh fennel (from more refined American oak barrels crafted after precision trials of both seasoning and toasting from the American oak cooperage they own in Higbee, Missouri). Supple dark-cherry and blackberry fruit are framed by graphite minerality, violets and clove, building in richness and complexity across the palate. Suave and silken, the dark-berry fruit is wrapped in a tapestry of velvety tannins, gliding to a focused finish of brown baking spices and crisp, clean acidity.” – Jonathan Cristaldi (Jul 2025)

93 Points - James Suckling:
“So full-bodied, ripe and robust, offering spicy, iron-like, black fruit aromas, with generous dark cherries on a firmly tannic palate. Concentrated black plum, graphite, black pepper, coffee bean, pine resin and oak toast flavors on a full body. The tannins are powerful and fine-grained, shaping the texture significantly at this stage. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.” – Jim Gordon (Apr 2025)