2018 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 6L

Winemaker 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.

Blending and Aging:

After blending in early 2019, our 2018 Napa 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. It was then aged for an additional 24 months in bottle before being released in February of 2023. Vintage to vintage, the resulting Cabernets emerge integrated and ready to drink upon release.

Vintage Description:

Ample winter rain tempered into a mild spring. With temperatures and conditions both ideal, the stage was set for good budbreak. This vintage, fruit set was even and the resulting yields were plentiful. The following summer months were warm and steady, allowing the fruit to hang and ripen uninterrupted. Thanks to this unrushed pace, the fruit had time to develop an intensity of flavors and a depth of complexity. The winery received the first deliveries of Merlot on September 10, and the last of our mountain Cabernet Sauvignon did not cross the crush pad until October 16. The 2018 vintage was a calm and abundant year with amazing fruit quality across all our properties.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


James Suckling - "This is a big upgrade in finesse and clarity to such a popular, premium cabernet from Napa. It shows lots of blackberry, tar, cedar and oak-tree aromas that follow through to a full yet toned palate of fine, integrated tannins and a vivid finish. Owner David Duncan explained that the American oak they use in the wine for aging now comes 100% from their own barrel-making facilities, which tones down the vanilla character in the wine. Really impressive and delicious. It’s a joy to drink now, but can age. Drink or hold."