Silver Oak Cellars : Napa Valley "Cabernet Sauvignon" 2020

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Napa Valley "Cabernet Sauvignon" 2020 from Silver Oak Cellars

Tasting

Appearance

With its brilliant ruby hue, this wine immediately captures the eye.

Nose

The bouquet reveals a beautiful harmony of dark and blue fruits, where plum and blueberry intertwine delicately with notes of toasted spices. With aeration, nuances of blackcurrant, blackberry, and toasted vanilla emerge, accompanied by touches of raspberry, sage, and spearmint. Tertiary aromas of graphite, cigar box, black plum, leather, and cedar complete this complex aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, the wine charms with its silky, refined texture. The tannins, supple yet structuring, bring presence without imposing. The mouthfeel is full and rich, offering a remarkable sense of softness. The finish lingers generously on spices and dark fruits, reflecting fine concentration.

Food and wine pairings

This cabernet sauvignon pairs ideally with grilled red meats, a herb-roasted rack of lamb, or duck breast with red fruits. It also matches perfectly with aged hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

The Napa Valley "Cabernet Sauvignon" 2020 can be enjoyed now but will continue to improve until around 2042 under optimal cellaring conditions. Decanting for one hour will fully bring out its aromas. Ideally serve between 16 and 18°C.

A Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon with silky tannins

The estate

Founded in 1972 by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer in Napa Valley, California, Silver Oak Cellars owns two wine estates in Oakville and Healdsburg. Today, this family-run company is led by David Duncan and his brother Tim Duncan, sons of the co-founder. Silver Oak stands out for its exclusive focus on cabernet sauvignon, aged in American oak barrels.

The vineyard

The grapes come from Soda Canyon Ranch, considered the heart of Silver Oak’s cabernet sauvignon production in Napa Valley. This exceptional terroir benefits from a prime exposure and ideal climatic conditions for growing cabernet sauvignon and blending varieties.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage in California was marked by remarkable resilience in the face of climatic conditions. After an arid landscape, welcome spring rains brought relief to the vineyard. Early flowering was followed by cool mornings and sunny afternoons, allowing the grapes to develop deep character and optimal ripeness.

Winemaking and aging

The Napa Valley "Cabernet Sauvignon" 2020 benefits from distinctive aging in American oak barrels, selected and made in Silver Oak’s own cooperage. This complete control over the production chain ensures consistent quality. Total aging extends for a minimum of 4.5 years, allowing flavors, aromas, and textures to meld harmoniously with the delicate qualities of the wood, the estate’s unmistakable signature.

Grape varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.