Truth be told, we’re huge fans of Silver Oak wines and have had great experiences with them over the years. When offered a chance to review some wines from their 2013 vintage, we couldn’t be more thrilled since it’s the kind of wine you’ll want to drink with every meal. Yup, it’s that good!
Silver Oak’s 2013 (Alexander Valley – oh so yum). Photo credit: Silver Oak.
For those who are diligent about taking notes and saving them for all the wines they love and buy, you’ll love the fact that Silver Oak offers current re-releases and tasting notes for all of their library wines from 1972 through the 2000’s.
Above and below Silver Oak wines — photo credit: Silver Oak Winery. It has a gorgeous and elegant label as well.
Silver Oak & Meal Pairings
It’s no secret that I love American red wines (particularly Cabs) crafted in American white oak. American oak barrels are known for their rich, complex flavors and the style is right up our alley.
The 2013 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley
You see, American oak barrels for wine are toasted, not charred which results in a delicious aroma and taste of vanilla, spice, coconut and coffee. Most barrels are used to age red wines from around 3 months to 3 years. Of course wine lovers know that there’s a variety of ways to control just how much oak comes through, from the amount of time spent in barrel, using new vs. used barrels, and the toast level.
“Grape growing and wine making are the foundational and structural elements of our wine style, but American oak adds flair and finish to what ultimately sits in your glass. I’m convinced that oak provides some of the critical nuance that makes our wines so interesting at 10, 20 and 30 years of age.” — Nate Weis, Silver Oak
We loved our experience with their 2013 Cab from Alexander Valley, which is important to note as they make wine from Napa as well.
Their Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep rich red garnet color and has flavors of chocolate-covered strawberries, vanilla, nutmeg, truffle and sage. There’s even some cranberry and raspberry going on with beautiful silky tannins.
We let it open in a crystal decanter for about an hour or so after which we sampled as is and then through an aerator. Remember that a lot of serious wine drinkers (and makers) think that letting it breathe on its own is the way to go and with a decadent drinking wine like Silver Oak, we have to agree. We tend to use Aerators for daily drinking wines at home when we don’t always have the time to let it pop before a meal mid-week.
The result was pure heaven. We have paired this Cab with lasagne, salads, steak on the grill, corn on the cob and grilled peppers and other vegetables as well as ribs. Our favorite pairings were of course the steak and ribs, for this match is a heavenly one with both.
Decanting the Silver Oak 2013 Cab from Alexander Valley
We’ve been meaning to get to their winery but have been so busy, we still haven’t made the time. They are so active between events, tastings, parties, and even cooking classes which is super exciting if you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area or plan to visit. We’ve love to experience them sometime, so hopefully we’ll be writing about our experience at some juncture in the future.
You apparently cook side-by-side with Winery Chef Dominic Orsini as he shares techniques for cooking an incredible seasonal menu and tips for pairing with wine. Silver Oak Winery also throws various wine events throughout the year worth checking out (also on our wish list). #LifeIsACabernet
Silver Oak: Both Alexander & Napa Valleys
Today, Silver Oak farms more than 400 acres of vines in Napa Valley and Alexander Valley and all of their estate vineyards are certified under California’s Sustainable Winegrowing program. In 2014, Nate Weis came on board as only the third winemaker in their 45-year history.
Credit: Silver Oak.
Be sure to visit their website for more information, what’s available now, details about their history, and how and where to order.
Details:
Silver Oak Napa Valley Winery
915 Oakville Cross Road
Oakville, CA 94562
707.942.7022
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Silver Oak Alexander Valley Winery
7300 Highway 128
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707.942.7082
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