Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Story:  Family-owned for nearly 50 years, Silver Oak produces Cabernets aged exclusively in American oak. Its exceptional, food-friendly wines are both drinkable upon release and worthy of cellaring for decades to come. Ray Duncan founded Silver Oak with Justin Meyer in 1972, and it’s now owned and operated by Ray’s sons, David and Tim, with a commitment to innovative and sustainable viticulture practices across its vineyard properties, winemaking facilities, tasting rooms and cooperage. In addition to acquiring OVID Napa Valley in 2017, the Duncan family also founded Twomey Cellars in 1999 and Timeless Napa Valley in 2020.

Tasting Notes:  The 2018 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby in color with notes of strawberry, fresh carnation, black pepper and vanilla. This wine builds in strength and body across the mid-palate with a blackberry character on the finish and bright cherry return. With integrated tannins, it’s expressive yet luxurious with an even, balanced finish. Given proper cellaring conditions, this wine will continue to improve through 2043.

Composition:  Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.2% Merlot, 5.1% Cabernet Franc, 3.2% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Malbec

Score:  97 Points, James Suckling