Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
(Sonoma County, California)

About the Winery:
Silver Oak Cellars is a family-owned, California winery dedicated to producing only Cabernet Sauvignon. Silver Oak was established in 1972 by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer. It is currently operated by Ray's sons David Duncan, who serves as the President and CEO, and his brother, Tim Duncan, who serves as Executive Vice President. Silver Oak has two wineries; one in Oakville in the Napa Valley and one in Healdsburg in the Alexander Valley.

About the Vineyards:
Alexander Valley bench soils diversely combine material from the weathering of the Mayacamas mountains with gravel and sandy loam deposited by the Russian River. The result is a benchland of vibrant, mineral-rich soils that also drain beautifully, a quality critical to growing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.  Situated between 200 and 250 feet, our Alexander Valley Estate, Miraval, Red Tail, Big River and Crazy Creek vineyards all lie above of the overly fertile valley floor, but not so high that ripening becomes an issue. Until 2011 and a 40-vintage tradition, Silver Oak Alexander Valley was always composed solely of Cabernet Sauvignon.  However, blending experiments taught us that small additions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc could add a touch of silk and spice that made an even more compelling wine. These components are now permanent features of the Alexander Valley blend.

About the Winemaking:
Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in American Oak barrels from our cooperage, The Oak. Each vintage, the wines mature in an even 50-50 split of new and used oak barrels—about 30% less new oak than in the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This regimen allows for ideal integration of both oxygen and subtle barrel characteristics without overwhelming the delicate flavors of Cabernet grown in the Alexander Valley. By nature of location, our Alexander Valley Cabernet displays more savory aromas when compared to the ripe, opulent notes characteristic of the warmer Napa Valley.

About the Wine:
Our 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is comprised of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot and 0.6% Malbec. After blending in early 2021, our 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was transferred to American oak barrels from our cooperage, The Oak, where it aged for 24 months. Blending before barrel aging—a signature of our winemaking style—allows blends to be based on the inherent qualities of their vineyard components before oak influence. Vintage to vintage, the resulting Cabernets emerge integrated and ready to drink upon release.