Spirit of the Day: Silver Oak Cabernet 2017 (California)

Silver Oak Cabernet 2017 (California)

The 2017 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon represents a hallmark of California winemaking, produced by the prestigious Silver Oak Cellars. This red wine is celebrated for its commitment to a singular varietal focus and its distinct aging process in American oak. It serves as a testament to the winery's long-standing reputation for creating wines that are both luxurious and approachable upon release.

Producer History

Silver Oak Cellars was founded in 1972 through a partnership between Colorado entrepreneur Ray Twomey Duncan and winemaker Justin Meyer. The two men established the winery in a converted dairy barn in Oakville, California, with a bold vision to focus exclusively on Cabernet Sauvignon. Over the decades, the winery grew into a family-owned institution, with Ray's sons, David R. Duncan and Tim Duncan, taking over operations following Meyer's retirement in 2001. Today, the estate is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, holding LEED Platinum certification at its production facilities in both Napa Valley and Alexander Valley.

Product History

The 2017 vintage is a product of the winery's dedication to a specific, unconventional style that prioritizes American oak aging. While many premium Napa producers historically favored French oak, Silver Oak established its identity by using American oak to impart notes of vanilla and sweet spice. The 2017 Napa Valley blend consists of Cabernet Sauvignon supplemented by smaller portions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. This wine underwent a rigorous aging program in barrels produced at the company's own cooperage in Missouri before being bottled and aged further to ensure it reached maturity before reaching the consumer.

Taste Profile

Appearance: The wine displays a deep, concentrated ruby color that suggests density and richness.

Aroma/Nose: The nose is complex, featuring prominent notes of blackberry and blueberry, complemented by hints of roasted coffee beans, coriander, and a subtle touch of nutmeg.

Palate: Upon entry, the wine feels smooth and transitions into a broad, plush mid-palate with an elegant density that coats the mouth.

Finish: The finish is long and generous, characterized by a balanced structure and lingering fruit notes.

Overall Character: It is a refined and sophisticated Cabernet that balances bold fruit flavors with the signature spicy, vanilla-forward influence of American oak.

Review

The 2017 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has received significant acclaim from industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. Based on reviews from Natalie MacLean, the community at NatalieMacLean.com, and various professional tasting panels, the wine holds an average score of 94 out of 100. Critics consistently highlight its multi-layered fruit profile, velvety tannins, and the successful integration of its oak aging.

Serving Guide

Glassware: Large-bowl Bordeaux glass | Serving temperature: 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit | ABV: 14.5%

Serving Suggestions

• Serve at room temperature to allow the complex aromas to fully develop in the glass.
• Decant the wine for at least 30 to 60 minutes before serving to soften the tannins and enhance the fruit expression.
• Enjoy alongside a meal to experience the wine as it was intended to be paired with food.

Food Pairings

• Grilled rare steaks pair well with this wine because the fat content of the beef balances the wine's structured tannins.
• Blackened ribs with barbecue sauce complement the spicy, toasted oak notes found in the wine.
• Coq au vin is an excellent choice as the earthy, savory components of the dish harmonize with the dark berry flavors of the Cabernet.
• Cornish game hen provides a lighter protein option that does not overpower the wine's elegant density.