Alexander Valley

The 2019 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of red cherry, raspberry, blackberry, iris, vanilla and clove. Ruby in color, this elegant wine has great acidity and lift on the mid-palate. Black currant and warm baking spices linger with a deep and fruity finish. It will provide drinking pleasure through 2047 given proper cellaring.

Composition: 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 1.9% Merlot and 0.4% Petit Verdot.

Ruby in color, the 2018 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of cassis, caramel, juniper and pomegranate. Lifted and vibrant on the nose, this wine is fresh on the palate with a juicy, fruit-forward core. Its silky mouthfeel will provide drinking pleasure through 2044 given proper cellaring.

Composition: 94.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Our 2017 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby in color with a purple rim. Warm and inviting, it has notes of red currant, cassis, ripe plum, cardamom and toffee. There’s depth and weight on the palate—a harmonious intensity. This wine has a long and beautiful finish, and its fine tannins will provide drinking pleasure through 2043 with proper cellaring.

Composition: 95.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.6% Merlot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc, 0.3% Petit Verdot, 0.1% Malbec

Our 2016 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby in color with a magenta rim. It has an enticing nose of cassis, blackberry, vanilla, sage and spearmint. Upon entry, this wine builds from potpourri and bramble to a bright pop of raspberry on the mid-palate. A juicy finish with chewy tannins and a medium length, it will provide drinking pleasure through 2042 with proper cellaring.

Composition: 94.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.0% Merlot, 0.5% Petit Verdot, 0.4% Malbec

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2015 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a dense crimson color. It opens with aromas of black currant and baking spices along with the customary notes of vanilla and coconut. It is a rich, dense wine but shows restraint in extraction and structure and is remarkably approachable for a Cabernet so young. The density is consistent as the wine moves across the palate and it finishes with a tightly wound but persistent and lingering finish. No sediment noted. Enjoy now through 2042.

Composition: 95.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.7% Merlot, 0.4% Petit Verdot, 0.3% Malbec, 0.3% Cabernet Franc.

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2014 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a dark crimson hue with very good saturation and no signs of aging. This vintage is open aromatically right now, with herbaceous sage giving way to dark plum and black cherry aromas. It has an above average attack but is a slightly lither vintage than those preceding and following it. This wine has an acid-driven mid-palate and tactile tannin structure. No sediment noted. Enjoy now through 2041.

Composition: 97.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.3% Merlot,0.5% Petit Verdot, 0.3% Malbec, 0.2% Cabernet Franc

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2013 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has an incredible, inky purple hue. It’s starting to show glimpses of this fantastic vintage and come out of its hibernation with aromas of asphalt being buttressed by plum, black licorice, sandalwood and spiced meats. The entry is massive and creamy with great balance between the structure and richness of the mid-palate. It is consistent in its richness throughout the palate and follows through with a dense core and long finish with fruit flavors—but also some grip, suggesting it has a long life ahead of it. No sediment noted. This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to improve through 2041.

Composition: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2012 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a youthful and exuberant purple hue, showing no signs of age. It is dominated by chocolate and graphite aromas as the fruity characters of cassis and blackberry have taken a back seat at this point in the wine’s life. It has a generous and giving, mouthcoating entry and mid-palate with a lot of density and flavor. The tannins are definitely present but balanced by their fine-grained nature. It finishes with depth and a touch of grip with excellent length. No sediment noted. This wine can be enjoyed now through 2040.

Composition: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 14.2% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2011 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a transparent but dark crimson hue and a fascinating mix of violet, brambly cherry and brioche aromatics. It is medium-light bodied with a fresh fruit entry that is very open with a nicely structured tannin profile. This wine has a tapering but fresh, tart and youthful finish and is showing especially well right now. No sediment noted. Enjoy now through 2035.

Composition: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 13.6% alochol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2010 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a youthful ruby hue that is quite dark and inky. With an inviting, spicy nose, this wine is complex and correct. Traditional varietal aromas like cassis, thyme and straw show alongside sweet vanilla flavors from the American oak. Its fresh and rich, fruity flavors upon attack transition into red pepper flavors as the wine moves to the back of the palate. The palate has breadth and comes into focus with fresh acidity towards the finish. With some fine, approachable tannins, the wine is carried with excellent length. No sediment noted. Enjoy now but should keep improving and will be enjoyable through 2037.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2009 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has an opaque red hue showing very little effect of age. Aromatically, it’s dominated by non-fruit notes of graphite, tobacco, dates and violets. It also has more traditional varietal and oak nuances like blackberry and coconut than other vintages of this wine. It is still a structured and tight, brooding wine but has opened up since the last time it was tasted in this setting. The finish is persistent and deep. The tannins are strong and will soften further; they are not aggressive. No sediment noted. Enjoy now through 2036.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2008 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a gorgeous inky purple color. The nose is fascinating right now with red pepper flakes, blackberry jam, herbs and a cidery, clove-like spice character. There’s a sweet herbaceousness to its flavors, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg along with ripe blackberry and soft tannins are present throughout the mid-palate. The finish is long with a noticeable grip from the tannins. This wine is in a great spot at the moment. No sediment noted. Enjoy now through 2034.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.9% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2007 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has moderately deep, beautiful dark red color with no bricking present. Along with some toasty vanilla, the nose reveals notes of earth, soil and berries. This is a particularly broad and generous wine on the palate with slightly less acidity than other Silver Oak wines of this period. It is rich and powerful and has great length, but we suspect it will be better in a few more years as the tannins are still resolving. No sediment noted. Enjoy through 2032.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.9% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2006 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a youthful purplish-ruby color with no bricking. Currently, its aromas are dark and shy with some cigar smoke, spiced meats and burlap. Its medium entry leads to a lithe mid-palate with great presence of fruit flavors, including cassis and fresh berry. A light finish with slight grip from the fading tannins, this wine will open back up in a few years. Decanting may be desired due to very light sediment. Enjoy through 2030.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.3% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2005 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a dense and dark crimson hue with great saturation. The aromas are wildly complex with sweet vanilla, jammy dark fruits, straw and dried persimmons. While the entry is generous, strong and youthful, the mid-palate is ripe with consistent plum flavors. The finish is accentuated by a lot of grip but has excellent length. Decanting suggested due to moderate sediment. This wine can be enjoyed now but will improve through 2031.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2004 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a dark and dense ruby color and a fascinating nose reminiscent of cumin, thyme, violets and ripe plum. It has a moderate, balanced entry with a mid-palate with cigar box flavors. It finishes with moderate weight and length and a bright cranberry return. Decanting may be necessary due to very light sediment. Enjoy now through 2026.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.0% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2003 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a dark crimson hue with a touch of bricking around the rim. Its aromas lean towards the spicy side to complement its signature fruit, with some peppermint, five-spice, black olive and cocoa alongside traditional blackberry aromas. It has a medium weight, a finely structured entry and finishes with fine and balanced tannins. This is an elegant wine, not a blockbuster. Decanting suggested due to moderate sediment. Enjoy now through 2027.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.0% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2002 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a remarkably concentrated, inky and youthful ruby hue. This is still an impressive wine with aromas of mint, anise, raspberry compote and fresh sawdust. There’s an opulent core of fruit upon entry, and it has a very big and generous mouthfeel. The full and vibrant nature of this wine still reveals primary fruit characteristics like blackberry and candied apple. An excellent wine, it crescendos to a surprisingly structured finish with excellent carry. Decanting may be necessary due to light sediment. Enjoy now through 2033.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.6% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2001 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a rich and dark crimson color. There are still classic American oak nuances of vanilla bean accompanying the young, candied fruit and black licorice and brown sugar aromas. It has a broad, weighty and serious attack upon entry and a plethora of structured tannins on the mid-palate. The finish tapers slightly but is framed by tart acidity and flavors of dried flowers. This wine is in a great spot right now. Decanting may be necessary due to light sediment. Enjoy now through 2029.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.6% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 2000 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a deeply saturated, bright red color with slight signs of bricking. The aromatics are youthful and dominated by tar, mulling spices and blueberry. It welcomes with dense, sweet fruit and brown sugar flavors on entry. Its flavors are tightly wound around the fruity core as the wine transitions to the mid-palate. While not overly broad, there is still incredible focus. This wine has above average length and a fantastic return of cherry flavors. Decanting suggested due to moderate sediment. Enjoy now through 2029.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.8% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1999 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a beautiful, translucent crimson color with ever so slight bricking at the rim. Aromatically, it is a very interesting wine, with dried fruits, hazelnut, dusty cherry, earth and faint nuances of vanilla and sweet pipe tobacco. It has a focused and rich entry with black fruit and graphite flavors. It accomplishes being both a wide and deep wine without being heavy. Its mid-palate reveals black licorice characteristics, and the wine has great consistency throughout, leading to a finish with great length and persistence of flavors. Decanting suggested due to moderate sediment. Enjoy now through 2030.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.9% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1998 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a ruby hue with some bricking visible towards the rim. It has aromas of bright berries, some floral character and red pepper flakes. On the palate, it’s a lighter wine but is juicy, balanced and soft with notes of sage leading to a moderate finish framed by cranberry acidity. Decanting may be necessary due to light sediment. Enjoy now through 2025.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.8% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1997 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a vibrant and clean, dark red hue. The aromas are likewise still vibrant and alive, with notes of cassis liqueur, mint, crème brûlée molasses and a touch of cigar smoke. The entry is layered and has flavors of violets and juicy berries, along with tannins reminiscent of unsweetened chocolate. On the palate, it’s full of youthful exuberance—broad and dense but with acidity and complex flavors. The tannins are still a bit rough around the edges and lightly grip the palate on its lovely finish. Decanting suggested due to moderate sediment. Enjoy now through 2029.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.3% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1996 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a vibrant and opaque dark red color with almost no signs of aging. It has an intriguing nose of sarsaparilla, fresh plum and lingering notes of floral, vanilla and cedar. With a wonderfully dense and flavorful entry, this Cabernet shows signs of being a big, bruising wine in its youth—but is currently in a period of balance between youthful and developed aromas. The finish is not terribly long but has flavors of apricot and a strong fruit core along with a fine tannin structure. Decanting suggested due to light sediment. Enjoy now through 2027.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.0% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1995 Silver Oak Alexander Valley has a dark crimson hue with a garnet rim advancing towards its core. It’s still quite precocious aromatically, with notes of nutmeg, grilled meats, vanilla, hazelnut and crushed berries. It has a very nice, full-bodied weight on entry and is balanced and consistent from front to back, with flavors of pipe tobacco. There is harmony between tannin and acid in this wine. It finishes with a haunting and juicy, lingering closure. This wine is in an excellent spot and will likely still improve. Decanting suggested due to moderate sediment. Enjoy now through 2026.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.1% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1994 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has deep tawney garnet hue. It shows aromas of coffee grounds, soy sauce, hazelnut and cigar smoke. It is broad and rich upon attack and on the mid-palate but is lower in acidity than other Silver Oak wines of the era. Structurally, it is still quite tactile and shows slightly grippy tannins but is showing signs of age within its long and persistent finish. Decanting suggested due to heavy sediment. Enjoy now.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.0% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1993 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a translucent ruby color with some rusting and bricking at the rim. It displays aromas of saddle leather, sweet mint and fresh hay with hazelnut and dark plum nuances. It is not a big wine, as made apparent by its ethereal entry and lighter mid-palate presence. It works towards the back of the palate with a juicy finish reflective of a cooler, wetter vintage in Alexander Valley. Decanting suggested due to light sediment. Enjoy now.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.0% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1992 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet hue with lots of saturation and depth of color. Its aromas are quite fetching. Potpourri, new leather and chaparral fill the nose. The attack is denser than average but still refreshing when met by the perfumed mid-palate. Surprisingly rich, the finish shows great persistence of flavor, ample acidity and even some tactile grip of tannin left. Decanting recommended due to moderate sediment. Enjoy now through 2024.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.0% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1991 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a dense, rich, crimson hue with slight bricking. The aromatics are complex and very interesting with notes of sandalwood, caramel, black pepper, cedar and strawberry fruit. It has a moderate entry, with espresso bean flavors and a finish buttressed by fresh acidity. On the finish, leather and Roquefort linger on the palate. Decanting recommended due to light sediment. Enjoy now.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.6% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1990 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a youthful ruby hue with great color saturation and only the slightest bricking at the rim. The aromas are fascinating with the cacophony of fresh-cut grass, red pepper, blueberry, sandalwood and leather. While it has secondary characteristics, it’s hanging on to the last vestiges of youthful precociousness. With medium weight upon entry, this wine has some strong, youthful tannins on the mid-palate and is very balanced and consistent from start to finish. Decanting suggested due to heavy sediment. Enjoy now.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.3% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021 (from 1.5L)

The 1989 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a very pretty, rich scarlet hue with slight bricking at the rim. Aromatically, it is reminiscent of a cedar humidor with light strawberry, blackberry and leather aromatics in the background. It has a fruit-forward, dense entry and shows quite youthfully (perhaps owing in part to being tasted from magnum). The mid-palate still displays a good core of fruit and acidity. While the finish fleets for a moment, it has a rapid return of sweet red fruits. Decanting suggested due to light sediment. Enjoy now but may continue to improve through 2022.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.2% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1988 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a translucent ruby hue. The aromas are reminiscent of rhubarb pie with notes of sweet, loose pipe tobacco. With a somewhat light attack but also chewy tannins, this wine has a structure reminiscent of an old Barolo. The mid-palate is very tart and balanced by umami-rich mushroom flavors. The finish tapers a touch but is held together by strong acidity. Decanting suggested due to light sediment. Enjoy now, but the acidity suggests this wine will be consistent and stable for years to come.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1987 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a very youthful color—a rich crimson and ruby hue with slight bricking at the rim. It displays aromas of bread dough, dusty strawberry and red pepper. It has moderate body on entry which builds to a fuller mid-palate although it’s very much a delicate wine. The finish is driven by a fresh cranberry tartness which adds a frame to its long length with an ever-so-slight tannic grip. Decanting suggested due to moderate sediment. Enjoy now.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.3% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1986 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is tawny in color—the once ruby appearance having faded to brick over the many years aging in bottle. The aromatics are lively and display hints of hazelnut, molasses, fresh dill and vanilla. It is a lithe, elegant wine with plum flavors on entry, a juicy mid-palate and a tapering finish that is framed by tart acidity and still-tactile tannins. Decanting suggested due to moderate sediment. Enjoy now.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.2% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1985 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is deep ruby in color at its core with some bricking around the rim. There’s a youthful energy and exuberance to this wine, with aromas of vanilla, tarragon, cardamom and tomato leaf. The entry is succulent and juicy with abundant flavor and suggests a warmer vintage. A young wine with balance becomes an old wine with balance, and the 1985 Alexander Valley has retained its signature length after all these years. Decanting suggested due to heavy sediment. Enjoy now through 2023.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.2% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1984 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is medium tawny with hints of ruby glimmering throughout. The aromas are still fresh and vibrant in their classic Silver Oak Cabernet components: berry compote, leafy tobacco, sage, vanilla and fresh dill. The attack is bold and giving, and the wine has a velvety, fine tannin structure throughout, suggesting it was a big, bold wine in its youth while still quite fetching and balanced right now. Decanting suggested due to heavy sediment. Enjoy now.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.0% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1983 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium brick color throughout. Aromas of cedar and cigar box prevail while faded fruit lingers in the background. It has a broad structure upon entry that thins out a touch on the mid-palate and does not share the electric acidity of the Silver Oak wines of the period. On the finish, it still has remnants of red fruit and toffee. Decanting suggested due to heavy sediment. Enjoy now.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.6% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1982 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a light ruby hue with bricking at the rim. Aromatically, it is still compelling, with leather, tea leaves and a dusty sawdust note to complement the lingering brambly raspberry aromas. There’s a fruit core to the mid-palate after a broad and fleshy entrance. After nearly 40 years, there are also still tactile tannins framing the mid-palate, and the acidity shows through on the finish. This is a very enjoyable wine. Decanting suggested due to light sediment. Enjoy now.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.9% alcohol

Tasting conducted February 2021

The 1981 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a rust-colored hue. Belying the color, the entry is lively and the aromas show precocious sandalwood, leather, fresh dill and varietal herbaceousness. The acidity is still bright and racy and holds together this lovely old wine. The mid-palate has some flesh, and the finish is marked by Roquefort flavors and a tart, fresh structure. Decanting suggested due to heavy sediment. Enjoy now.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.9% alcohol

The following notes are from the June 2004 tasting. Limited supply in our library precluded tasting of this wine in 2014.

The 1980 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a ruby to brick-red color. This wine possesses an intense nose of cassis, dill, jalapeño peppers and tobacco. This Cabernet has a medium body with ripe fruit flavors and a long finish of cassis. Enjoy now.May need decanting due to light sediment.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.7% alcohol

The following notes are from the June 2011 tasting. Limited supply in our library precluded tasting of this wine in 2014.

The 1979 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a medium ruby color with brick-red edges. It has an extraordinarily fresh nose of candied apples, cassis, forest undergrowth and savory spices. This Cabernet has a fresh attack, a surprising expression of bright fruit on the palate and a long, smooth finish. Enjoy now.May need decanting due to light sediment.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.4% alcohol

The 1978 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a brick-red color with brown edges. It has a complex nose of coffee, hazelnut, dried fruit and bay leaves. This medium bodied Cabernet has an excellent attack, a lively mid-palate and a long finish of coffee, dried black plum and dried cherries. Enjoy now.May need decanting due to light sediment.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Alcohol

The following notes are from the June 2011 tasting. Limited supply in our library precluded tasting of this wine in 2014.The 1977 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a brick-red to brown color. It has an evolved nose of cedar and cherry with a note of chocolate. It has a full attack, medium body and a long tart finish This wine is past its prime and would be best enjoyed now.May need decanting due to light sediment and some bottle variation is apparent in this vintage.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Alcohol

The following notes are from the June 2011 tasting. Limited supply in our library precluded tasting of this wine in 2014.The 1975 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a ruby-red color with some browning. It has a nose of roasting meat and fading blackberry. This wine has a light body with blackberry and nutmeg apparent in the long, elegant finish. This Cabernet is just past its prime and would be best enjoyed now.May need decanting due to light sediment.

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Alcohol