Silver Oak
History and Background
The winery was founded in 1972 by Raymond Twomey Duncan, a Colorado entrepreneur, and Justin Meyer, a former Christian Brothers winemaker. The partnership focused exclusively on producing Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects the full potential of the varietal, characterized particularly by its aging process.
While the original vineyard is in California's Napa Valley, Silver Oak also expanded in 1994 to include a second state-of-the-art winery in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County. This expansion helped accommodate the growing demand for their wines and allowed for greater production capabilities.
Originally, Justin Meyer handled the winemaking and operational management until he sold his shares to the Duncan family in 2001 and retired. Under the continued leadership of the Duncan family, Silver Oak remains committed to its initial vision: to produce exceptional, varietal Cabernet Sauvignon that stands among the finest in the United States.
Vineyards and Terroir
Silver Oak’s vineyards are situated in prime appellations; Napa Valley and Alexander Valley, capitalizing on the unique terroir offered by each region to cultivate superior Cabernet Sauvignon. The Oakville vineyard in Napa Valley features fertile, well-drained alluvial and loamy soils that are ideal for stressing the vines towards producing flavorful and complex wines. Conversely, Alexander Valley vineyards are characterized by a diverse soil composition that includes both volcanic and gravelly loam, contributing to the layered complexity of their Cabernet Sauvignons.
Wine Style and Production
Silver Oak is known for their Cabernet Sauvignon that produces wines with a luscious texture and rich flavors, which are distinctly influenced by aging in American oak barrels. This aging imparts notes of vanilla and spice, creating a unique flavor profile. With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, Silver Oak operates out of LEED-certified facilities and employs precision viticulture to ensure high-quality grape production with minimal environmental impact. Their wines are aged for 24 months in American oak and about two years in the bottle. Silver Oak prefers to release their wines as they enter their drinking window.
Reputation
Silver Oak is known for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon.
Final Thoughts
Silver Oak has a loyal following and remains a staple in the cellars of discerning collectors who appreciate a focused approach to Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.