Silver Oak Napa Valley: A Guide to the Winery's History and Wines

Silver Oak Napa Valley is a renowned winery that has been producing distinctive and food-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon wines for over 50 years. The winery is located in Oakville, Napa Valley, and is known for its exceptional wine tasting tours that offer visitors a chance to experience the history, location, and services of the place.

The winery was established in 1972 by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer, who had a bold vision of producing only Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, it is 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. The winery has two locations, one in Oakville in the Napa Valley and the other in Alexander Valley, where it produces delicious and distinctive wines.

Silver Oak Napa Valley has become a popular destination for wine enthusiasts and tourists alike. The winery offers a variety of tours and tastings, including a library tasting that features older vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon, and a food and wine pairing experience that showcases the winery's wines alongside local cuisine. The winery also has a wine club that provides members with exclusive access to limited-release wines, invitations to special events, and discounts on purchases.

History of Silver Oak

Founding and Legacy

Silver Oak was established in 1972 by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer with the goal of producing only Cabernet Sauvignon. They were among the first wineries to recognize the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon in the emerging Napa Valley growing region. Ray and Justin appellated the first Silver Oak Napa Valley bottling, which was a big bet on Cabernet.

The founders' passion and dedication to producing high-quality wines paid off, and Silver Oak quickly became a cult favorite among wine enthusiasts. The winery's commitment to excellence and its focus on Cabernet Sauvignon have earned it a reputation as one of the leading producers of this varietal in the world.

Silver Oak's success is also rooted in its family legacy. Ray's sons, David and Tim Duncan, currently operate the winery. They continue to honor their father's and Justin's vision by producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Napa and Alexander Valleys.

Silver Oak Cellars

Silver Oak has two wineries, one in Oakville in the Napa Valley and one in Healdsburg in the Alexander Valley. The Napa Valley winery was built in 1992 and is a stunning example of sustainable architecture. It was the world's first LEED Platinum winery for existing buildings, operations, and maintenance (EBOM) by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The Alexander Valley winery was built in 2018 and is also designed with sustainability in mind. It features a state-of-the-art production facility and a tasting room that offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.

Both wineries use traditional winemaking techniques combined with modern technology to produce the highest quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The winemakers at Silver Oak are committed to sustainable farming practices and use only American oak barrels to age their wines, which gives them a unique flavor profile.

Overall, Silver Oak's history is a testament to the founders' vision and commitment to producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Their legacy is carried on by the next generation of winemakers, who continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in winemaking.

Viticulture and Winemaking

Grape Growing in Napa

Silver Oak Napa Valley is known for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The grapes used in these wines are grown in some of the best vineyards in Napa Valley. The winery uses sustainable farming practices to ensure that the grapes are of the highest quality. The vineyards are located in Rutherford, one of the most renowned grape growing regions in Napa Valley. The winery believes that the key to producing great wines is to start with great grapes.

Winemaking Techniques

Silver Oak Napa Valley uses a unique winemaking process that involves blending the wines from different vineyards to create a complex and balanced flavor profile. The winery's winemakers carefully select the best grapes from each vineyard and then use a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques to create the perfect wine. The winery's winemaker notes describe the wine as having a "deep, rich color, with aromas of black cherry, cassis, and vanilla." The wine is full-bodied with a long, smooth finish.

Oak Barrel Aging

Silver Oak Napa Valley is known for its oak barrel aging process. The winery uses American oak barrels to age its wines, which gives them a unique flavor profile. The oak barrels add notes of vanilla, spice, and toast to the wine, which complements the flavors of the grapes. The winery's oak barrel aging process can take up to 25 months, which allows the wine to develop a complex and layered flavor profile.

In conclusion, Silver Oak Napa Valley is a winery that is dedicated to producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The winery's focus on sustainable grape growing practices, unique winemaking techniques, and oak barrel aging process has helped it to become one of the most respected wineries in Napa Valley.

The Wines of Silver Oak

Silver Oak is known for producing distinctive and food-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon wines from their Napa Valley and Alexander Valley wineries. In this section, we will take a closer look at the wines produced by Silver Oak, with a focus on their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a true benchmark of the winery. Every year, it offers a glorious rendering of the flavors and textures that have made Napa Valley the epicenter of American winemaking. The wine's calling cards are ultra-classic notes of cassis and blackberry, rendered with the opulent, pulpy ripeness characteristic of Napa.

The 2019 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich and complex wine that showcases the best of Napa Valley. It is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.6% Merlot, 7.5% Cabernet Franc, 4.1% Petit Verdot, and 1.8% Malbec. The wine is aged for 24 months in 85% new American oak barrels, which give it a beautiful vanilla and spice character.

The wine has a deep ruby color and aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied with firm tannins and flavors of black cherry, plum, and dark chocolate. The wine has a long finish with notes of espresso and tobacco. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for 15-20 years.

Other Varietals

In addition to their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Oak also produces other varietals. These wines are made with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality as their Cabernet Sauvignon.

One of the other varietals produced by Silver Oak is their Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is made with grapes from their Alexander Valley vineyards and is aged for 24 months in 50% new American oak barrels. The wine has aromas of black cherry, vanilla, and baking spices, with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate. It has firm tannins and a long finish.

Silver Oak also produces a Twomey Merlot, which is made with grapes from their Soda Canyon Ranch in Napa Valley. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels and has aromas of black cherry, plum, and mocha. On the palate, it is full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and dark chocolate. The wine has a long finish with notes of vanilla and spice.

Overall, the wines of Silver Oak are known for their rich flavors, complex textures, and beautiful aromas. Whether you are a fan of Cabernet Sauvignon or other varietals, Silver Oak has something to offer.

Tasting Profile

Aromas and Flavors

Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its complex aroma and flavor profile. On the nose, it exhibits rich aromas of blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry, with hints of vanilla and toasty oak. The palate is full-bodied, with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate, along with subtle notes of tobacco and leather. The wine has a long, lingering finish, with a perfect balance of fruit and tannins.

Structure and Texture

Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a well-structured and balanced profile. The wine is full-bodied, with firm tannins and a good acidity level. The tannins are velvety, which gives the wine a smooth and silky texture. The wine has a good aging potential, with the ability to age for up to 20 years.

The wine is aged in American oak barrels, which impart a subtle vanilla and toasty oak flavor to the wine. The oak also adds structure and texture to the wine, giving it a firm backbone. The wine is aged for 24 months in oak barrels, which allows it to develop its complex flavor profile and smooth texture.

Overall, Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-structured and complex wine, with a perfect balance of fruit and tannins. It has a rich aroma and flavor profile, with notes of blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry, along with subtle hints of vanilla and toasty oak. The wine has a smooth and silky texture, with firm tannins and a good acidity level. It has a good aging potential, and can be enjoyed now or aged for up to 20 years.

Wine Selection and Pairing

Decanting and Serving

When it comes to serving Silver Oak Napa Valley wine, decanting is highly recommended. Decanting helps to separate sediment from the wine, aerate it, and improve its flavor. It is recommended to decant the wine for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Silver Oak Napa Valley wines are best served at room temperature, between 60°F and 65°F. If the wine has been stored in a cool place, it is recommended to bring it to room temperature before serving.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Silver Oak Napa Valley wines are versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods. The Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with red meat, lamb, and game. The wine's tannins and acidity help to cut through the richness of these meats.

For those who prefer seafood, Silver Oak suggests pairing their Chardonnay with seafood dishes such as crab cakes or lobster. The wine's crisp acidity and citrus notes complement the delicate flavors of seafood.

For a vegetarian option, Silver Oak suggests pairing their Cabernet Sauvignon with a portobello mushroom burger. The wine's bold flavor and tannins complement the meatiness of the mushroom.

When pairing wine with food, it is important to consider the wine's tasting notes. For example, Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. These flavors pair well with dishes that have similar flavor profiles, such as grilled steak with a blackberry sauce or vanilla ice cream with a blackberry compote.

Overall, Silver Oak Napa Valley wines are versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. It is recommended to experiment with different pairings to find the perfect match for your palate.

Vineyard and AVA Designations

Silver Oak Napa Valley is a premium winery that produces Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes grown in various American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Napa Valley. The winery is located in Oakville, a sub-AVA of Napa Valley, which is known for producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in the world.

Stags Leap District

One of the most famous AVAs in Napa Valley is the Stags Leap District, located in the southeastern part of the valley. The district is known for its unique terroir, which is characterized by volcanic soils and a cool maritime climate. The wines produced in this area are known for their elegance, complexity, and ageability. Silver Oak Napa Valley produces a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes grown in the Stags Leap District, which is highly sought after by wine collectors and enthusiasts.

Sub-AVAs of Napa Valley

Napa Valley is divided into 16 sub-AVAs, each with its own unique terroir and microclimate. These sub-AVAs are further divided into smaller regions, which are known as sub-sub-AVAs. Silver Oak Napa Valley sources grapes from various sub-AVAs in Napa Valley, including Rutherford, Oakville, and Yountville. Each of these sub-AVAs has a distinct terroir, which contributes to the overall flavor and character of the wine.

In addition to Napa Valley, Silver Oak also produces Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes grown in Alexander Valley, which is located in Sonoma County. The wines produced from this region are known for their rich fruit flavors, soft tannins, and approachability. However, the winery's Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is considered to be its flagship wine, and is highly regarded by wine critics and enthusiasts alike.

Overall, Silver Oak Napa Valley is a premium winery that produces some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. The winery's commitment to sourcing grapes from the best AVAs in Napa Valley and Sonoma County ensures that its wines are of the highest quality, and are highly sought after by wine collectors and enthusiasts.

Sustainability Practices

Silver Oak Napa Valley has always been committed to sustainable winemaking practices. The winery has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmental conservation.

Green Wine Initiatives

Silver Oak Napa Valley has made significant efforts to reduce its environmental impact through its green wine initiatives. The winery has been recognized for its sustainability practices and has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, which is the highest possible rating for sustainable design and construction.

The winery has implemented several sustainable practices, including water conservation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency. The winery has installed solar panels that generate up to 100% of the electricity needed to power its operations. Additionally, the winery has implemented a water conservation program that includes the use of drip irrigation and recycled water.

Silver Oak Napa Valley also uses eco-friendly materials in its wine production, such as lightweight glass bottles and recycled packaging materials. The winery has also implemented a composting program that turns grape waste into fertilizer for the vineyards.

Vineyards

Silver Oak Napa Valley's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the winery to its vineyards. The winery has implemented several sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact. The winery has reduced its use of pesticides and herbicides by implementing integrated pest management practices. Additionally, the winery has implemented cover cropping and crop rotation practices to improve soil health and reduce erosion.

Silver Oak Napa Valley also uses sustainable farming practices, such as dry farming and precision agriculture. Dry farming is a water conservation technique that relies on natural rainfall instead of irrigation. Precision agriculture involves using technology to optimize crop yields and reduce waste.

Wine

Silver Oak Napa Valley's commitment to sustainability is reflected in the quality of its wines. The winery's sustainable practices result in high-quality, eco-friendly wines that are enjoyed by wine enthusiasts around the world.

In conclusion, Silver Oak Napa Valley's sustainability practices are a testament to its commitment to environmental conservation and responsible winemaking. The winery's green wine initiatives, sustainable vineyard practices, and eco-friendly wine production are just some of the ways that Silver Oak Napa Valley is leading the way in sustainable winemaking.

Silver Oak's Global Presence

Silver Oak is a well-known winery that produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The winery has two locations, one in Napa Valley and the other in Alexander Valley. Although the winery's production is limited, its wines are distributed globally.

Silver Oak's wines can be found in more than 40 countries worldwide. The winery's primary export markets include Canada, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom. In addition to these countries, Silver Oak's wines are also available in many European and Asian markets.

Silver Oak has established itself as a leading producer of Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the United States. The winery's Napa Valley location is particularly well-known for its production of high-quality wines. The winery's commitment to sustainable farming practices and its state-of-the-art facilities have helped it to maintain its position as a leading producer of premium wines.

In addition to producing exceptional wines, Silver Oak is also committed to giving back to the community. The winery has partnered with several charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Napa Valley Community Foundation. Through these partnerships, Silver Oak has been able to support various causes and make a positive impact in the community.

Buying and Collecting

Professional Ratings

Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has consistently received high ratings from professional wine critics. Wine Enthusiast gave the 2007 vintage a score of 93 points, describing it as "dense, rich and layered, with tiers of blackberry, wild berry, black licorice and espresso." Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the 2013 vintage 94 points, stating that it has "a full-bodied, concentrated mouthfeel, with a long, pure finish."

Investment and Collectibility

Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a highly sought-after wine among collectors and investors. Its consistent quality and popularity have made it a safe bet for those looking to invest in wine. According to Wine-Searcher, the average price for a bottle of Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is around $120, with some vintages fetching much higher prices at auction.

Great Gift Ideas

Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon makes a great gift for any wine enthusiast. Its reputation for quality and consistency make it a safe choice for those looking to impress. Consider gifting a bottle of the 2016 vintage, which has received high ratings and is currently in its prime drinking window. For a more personal touch, consider purchasing a pre-etched bottle with a custom message.

Silver Oak's Sister Winery

Silver Oak Cellars has a sister winery called Twomey Cellars. Twomey Cellars is a boutique winery that specializes in Pinot Noir and Merlot. The winery has two locations, one in Napa Valley and one in Anderson Valley.

Twomey Cellars

Twomey Cellars was founded in 1999 by the Duncan family, who also own Silver Oak Cellars. The winery was named after the Duncan family's mother, who was a Twomey. Twomey Cellars produces small-lot wines that are handcrafted using traditional winemaking techniques.

Twomey Cellars' Napa Valley location is situated in Calistoga, in the northern part of Napa Valley. The winery's estate vineyard is located in the Soda Canyon area of Napa Valley, where the vines are planted in volcanic soils. Twomey Cellars' Anderson Valley location is situated in Philo, in the heart of Anderson Valley. The winery's estate vineyard is located in the Anderson Valley appellation, where the vines are planted in alluvial soils.

At Twomey Cellars, the winemakers are dedicated to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of each vineyard. The winery's Pinot Noir is made from grapes grown in the cool-climate Anderson Valley, while the Merlot is made from grapes grown in the warmer Napa Valley.

Overall, Twomey Cellars is a great complement to Silver Oak Cellars, offering a different style of wine that is still of the highest quality.

Visiting Silver Oak

Silver Oak is a renowned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Visitors to the winery can enjoy a range of tours and tastings, as well as attend winery events.

Tours and Tastings

Silver Oak offers a variety of tours and tastings that showcase their exceptional wines. The winery's flagship tasting is the Silver Oak Tasting, which includes a flight of their current releases. Visitors can also opt for the Silver Tasting and Tour, which includes a tour of the winery and a tasting of both Silver Oak and Twomey wines. For a more in-depth experience, visitors can choose the Timeless Napa Valley Vertical Tasting, which includes a vertical tasting of five vintages of Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winery Events

Silver Oak hosts a variety of winery events throughout the year, including release parties, harvest celebrations, and winemaker dinners. These events provide visitors with the opportunity to taste new releases, meet the winemakers, and learn more about the winemaking process.

Visitors to Silver Oak can expect a welcoming and knowledgeable staff, as well as a beautiful setting in the heart of Napa Valley. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon, a visit to Silver Oak is a must.