67Wine
Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2020 750ml
🇫🇷 A compelling, brooding, muscular rendition of Cabernet from Alexander Valley.
Silver Oak is one of California’s most iconic Cabernet houses, renowned for a signature style built on American oak aging and approachable, fruit-forward elegance. The 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — a blend of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, and 0.6% Malbec — was blended before barrel aging (a Silver Oak hallmark), then aged 24 month...Show More >
Silver Oak is one of California’s most iconic Cabernet houses, renowned for a signature style built on American oak aging and approachable, fruit-forward elegance. The 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — a blend of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, and 0.6% Malbec — was blended before barrel aging (a Silver Oak hallmark), then aged 24 months in American oak from their own cooperage, The Oak. Despite the challenges of the 2020 vintage, this wine shows none of the hardened tannins or overwrought fruit often associated with that year — instead, it remains true to Silver Oak’s balanced, inviting style.
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020
“Silver Oak’s 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet retains all the hallmarks of a balanced, inviting, and vibrant Silver Oak red. Blackcurrant, fig, and plum fruits layered with white pepper, sweet cedar, and coriander spice. Medium-bodied, with sculpted tannins that persist through the lengthy finish.” — 94 pts, Decanter
“Truly gorgeous, fruity, velvety and enjoyable. Rich in blueberries, cherry cream, black cherries and raspberries, with very smooth, layered tannins and a soothing mouthfeel.” — 94 pts, James Suckling
Food Pairings: Prime rib, grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short ribs, aged cheddar, and hard cheeses.
Varietal: 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, 0.6% Malbec
Producer: Silver Oak Cellars
Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
Vintage: 2020
Aging: 24 months in American oak
Bottle Size: 750ml
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Wine Information:
Country: United States
Region: California
Sub-Region:
Appellation: Sonoma County
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Type: Reds
Size: 750ml
Choose when time is of the essence
"Silver Oak's 2020 releases of Napa and Alexander Valley Cabernets are downright impressive. Tasted four years after the fires, in September of 2024 at the Alexander Valley winery, neither wine showed any sign of the hardened tannic structure or overwrought fruit often associated with the vintage. Instead, these wines remain true to Silver Oak’s signature style, with blackcurrant, fig, and plum fruits layered with white pepper, sweet cedar, and coriander spice. Medium-bodied, with sculpted tannins that persist through the lengthy finish, the Alexander Valley Cabernet in particular retains all the hallmarks of a balanced, inviting, and vibrant Silver Oak red."
Decanter Magazine - 94 Points
Winemaker Notes
The 2020 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has captivating notes Our 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is comprised of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot and 0.6% Malbec. After blending in early 2021, our 2020 Alexander 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.
With its ruby hue and smooth, polished tannins, this wine offers a harmonious blend of depth and nuance. Balanced acidity adds a refined touch to the long finish, with vibrant layers of fresh raspberry, cherry and cola. This wine will continue to improve through 2042 given proper cellaring conditions.
