Silver Oak Alexander Valley 2020
“Silver Oak's 2020 releases of Napa and Alexander Valley Cabernets are downright impressive. Tasted four years after the fires, in September of 2024 at the Alexander Valley winery, neither wine showed any sign of the hardened tannic structure or overwrought fruit often associated with the vintage. Instead, these wines remain true to Silver Oak’s signature style, with blackcurrant, fig, and plum fruits layered with white pepper, sweet cedar, and coriander spice. Medium-bodied, with sculpted tannins that persist through the lengthy finish, the Alexander Valley Cabernet in particular retains all the hallmarks of a balanced, inviting, and vibrant Silver Oak red.” - 94 PTS, DECANTER (09/2024)
WINERY NOTES:
TASTING NOTES: “The 2020 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has captivating notes of cedar and concentrated red fruit character that dance gracefully on the palate. With its ruby hue and smooth, polished tannins, this wine offers a harmonious blend of depth and nuance. Balanced acidity adds a refined touch to the long finish, with vibrant layers of fresh raspberry, cherry and cola. This wine will continue to improve through 2042 given proper cellaring conditions.”
VINTAGE: "The 2020 grape growing season commenced with a flourish—its early budbreak hinting at the promise of abundance. While initial concerns of frost loomed, nature smiled upon us with warm, sun-kissed days that nurtured the precious vines, enriching each grape with a story of resilience and vigor. Undoubtedly, challenges marked our journey—the whisper of lower rainfall and the embrace of warmer temperatures from vintages past—but as seasoned artisans of the vine, we embraced these trials as opportunities in disguise. Our vineyard teams danced with the rhythm of nature, deftly guiding growth to maintain perfect balance, while in the winery, our winemakers reveled in the bounty of concentrated flavors brought forth by the lower yields.
Indeed, the 2020 vintage stands as a testament to the spirit of innovation and dedication that defines us. With each bottle, we invite you to join us in celebrating a season of triumph—a season that yielded not just wine, but an unforgettable experience, crafted with love and care to leave an indelible mark on both palate and memories."
COMPOSITION: 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, 0.6% Malbec
ALCOHOL: 14.6%
RELEASE DAY: August 3, 2024