SilverOakNapaValleyCabernetSauvignon

Mention California Cabernet and Silver Oak is sure to come to mind. Founded in 1972 on a handshake between friends Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer, Silver Oak has become a benchmark for polished, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon. Their flagship Napa Valley cuvée – first released in 1979 – combines Napa’s depth and structure with the estate’s hallmark polished and hedonistic style.

95/100 – A super creamy, delicious and detailed red with oodles of red fruit, silky tannins and a full body. It tastes pure, fresh, almost delicate, offering raspberries, cherry cream, blueberries, cafe au lait and subtle oak toast on the palate. A gentle, layered, pretty wine that seems not at all affected by the wildfire smoke that year. Drinkable now, but best from 2030. – Jim Gordon, James Suckling

94/100 – Simply remarkable. Perfumed rose petals and currant fruit lead the way, complemented by coriander seed, apricot pit, orange zest and white pepper. It features firm yet already well-integrated tannins that frame a beautifully balanced, effortlessly drinkable wine. There’s no drying tannin on the finish, defying expectations. Instead, it remains true to Silver Oak’s signature style: well built, consistent and impressively composed. What a feat. – Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter