97 Points
Classic

Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018

Having judged the last 20 releases of this collector favorite, we believe this is the most seriously age-worthy vintage to date. A bit of inquiry with our friends at Silver Oak revealed this is a reflection of the fact that the 2018 vintage now includes two prominent new Cabernet vineyard sources. This 2018 features a silky, rich and velvety texture with hints of mint on the finish. It commences with aromas of toasted oak and cedar balanced by delightful dark fruit and savory herbs. It is truly luscious with notes of tobacco and creamy vanilla. A surefire winner with a juicy steak tonight!”

Silver Oak Winery

Silver Oak began over a handshake between two friends with a bold vision: focus on one
varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon, aged exclusively in American oak and worthy of cellaring
for decades to come.

Raymond Twomey Duncan, a Colorado entrepreneur who began investing in California
vineyards in the late 1960s, and Justin Meyer, a winemaker and former Christian
Brother, began in a Napa Valley dairy barn in 1972, producing only 1,100 cases of their
inaugural vintage.

Over the next two decades, Silver Oak grew in popularity. Their Napa Valley and
Alexander Valley Cabernets sold quickly upon their release from the winery and became
a sought-after staple on restaurant wine lists around the country. After selecting Daniel
Baron to succeed him as winemaker in 1994, Justin retired, selling his share of Silver
Oak to the Duncan family in 2001. With David R. Duncan serving as President and CEO
and Tim Duncan as Executive Vice President, the Duncan family continues to operate
the winery to this day.

In 2014, Nate Weis joined Silver Oak as only the third winemaker in their 45-year
history. Nate worked side-by-side with Daniel Baron, just as Daniel worked with Justin
Meyer before his retirement. These overlapping tenures ensure the handing down of
their commitment to continuous improvement and the wisdom that their best wines are
still ahead of them.

The Wine

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