Silver Oak Cellars : Napa Valley "Cabernet Sauvignon" 2018

Silver Oak Cellars produces a full-bodied and structured Napa Valley wine

The estate

Founded in 1972 by Ray Twomey Duncan and Justin Meyer, Silver Oak Cellars have since the beginning had the ambition to develop a cabernet sauvignon wine, aged in American oak casks with an exceptional laying down potential. Decades later, Silver Oak Cellars wines have been come an unmissable reference among Californian wines.

Today, Ray’s sons David and Tim Duncan own and work the 200-plus hectares of vines in Napa Valley and Alexander Valley, with an avant-garde approach to winegrowing, as respectful as possible to natural resources and the environment. Since 2014, Nate Weis, originally from Napa Valley, has supervised all the growing and winemaking operations.

The vineyard

This "Cabernet Sauvignon" 2018 from Silver Oak Cellars is a Californian wine that comes from a selection of vineyards spread across Napa Valley. Since 1999, this wine has mostly been produced from the Soda Canyon Ranch vineyard. However, its grapes also come from Jump Rock Vineyard and Navone Vineyard, partnered with the estate for more than 40 years. The reliability and versatility of Soda Canyon Ranch stems from its unique position at the crossroads between four AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) : Atlas Peak, Oak Knoll District, Stags Leap District et Coombsville. This site boasts volcanic soils of diverse formations coming from shallow rocky deposits, ideal for growing cabernet sauvignon, to more fertile, clayey soils which best suit merlot. Recent vintage have led to a further exploration into the valley, with small productions of grapes from the hills above Rutherford, Diamond Mountain et Mt. Veeder that have given promising results.

Winemaking and ageing

This Napa Valley wine was aged for two years in American oak casks (80% new), which came from the estate’s own cooperage. A long ageing is needed to harmonise the combination of oak and wine, which is the signature for this wine representative of the estate.

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon
Merlot
Cabernet franc
Petit verdot

Characteristics and tasting tips for Napa Valley "Cabernet Sauvignon" 2018 from Silver Oak Cellars

Tasting

Nose
The nose releases notes of blackcurrant and blackberry, revealed by a rich and creamy maturity that is characteristic of Napa Valley wines. The bouquet is embellished by light touches of tobacco and spices.

Palate
The palate entices with its dense and complex structure and its powerful tannins, while keeping its softness and finesse.

Storage

The wine can be enjoyed now, but can be laid down for decades.