Lush, layered, and intensely aromatic — Silver Oak is famed for its Cabernet Sauvignon. We had the opportunity to review the Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which is already sold out at many major wine retailers. You can find later vintages at Wine Access (although they, too, are also limited in inventory, so make haste!).
Silver Oak’s storied reputation across decades is a testament to its ability to remain focused, while evolving with the times. While many wineries try to expand their portfolios once they become successful, Silver Oak only produces two wine labels each year. This focus has allowed it to continue producing critically-acclaimed wines with an enthusiastic following, year after year.
While the distinctive profile of Silver Oak’s wines may not have altered much over the years, its winemaking certainly has. Silver Oak is continually working to increase the sustainability of its winemaking. Its facilities are all LEED Platinum-certified, powered by solar energy and recycled water. And its vineyards are certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.
Deciding which release to buy? There are a few key differences between Silver Oak’s Alexander Valley and Napa Valley wines. First, of course, is terroir. The Alexander Valley is one of the warmest regions in Sonoma County, but it still occasionally receives cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean and Petaluma Gap. This yields smaller grapes with thicker skins, and ultimately, more structured tannins. On the other hand, the Napa Valley generally sees hotter temperatures. 2015 was no exception, with heat spikes of above 100 degrees throughout the summer. This yields a wine with slightly softer, more yielding tannins.
The next differences between the Alexander Valley and Napa Valley wines are in the blend. The Alexander Valley wine is nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (95%), contributing to its bolder, more robust profile and longer aging potential. The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is only 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, with higher amounts of Merlot (13%), Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot mixed in. It is also aged for five more months in bottle. This yields a wine that is more approachable now.
We had the opportunity to review the 2015 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon – Alexander Valley, and it certainly did not disappoint. Full review below.
2015 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon – Alexander Valley
- Varietal: 95.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.7% Merlot, 0.4% Petit Verdot, 0.3% Malbec, 0.3% Cabernet Franc
- Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- Color: Deep garnet
- Tasting notes: The first aroma that drifts up to my nose is oak, which is more pronounced with Silver Oak as they use a mix of both new and old American oak barrels. Once this clears off with some aeration, blackberry, black currant, and toasty vanilla aromatics come to the forefront. On the palate, these are backed by structured tannins and vibrant acidity. Warm undertones of clove, tobacco, and cocoa unfold on the complex, layered finish. With its core of concentrated dark fruit and well-defined profile, this is approachable yet ageworthy.
- Serving: If opening now, decant before serving. 10-15 year aging potential.
- Pairing: With its rich body and intense aromatics, this is delicious with New York strip steak or ribeye. Read more about this pairing here.
To snag one of the few bottles of Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley or Napa Valley, we recommend Wine Access. All Wine Access purchases over $120 receive free shipping. Their current pricing on the Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($84) is entirely comparable, if not lower than, market rates. You can receive a discount of $50 off your Wine Access purchase of $200 or more using our unique link here.
Silver Oak truly remains a paradigm of California Cabernet Sauvignon. Even in difficult vintages, its trademark style does not disappoint. The Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an ideal bottle to have on hand now, or to cellar for a future occasion.
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