2008 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

SKU #1108468 94 points Wine & Spirits

Like a savory claret pumped up on performance-enhancing California climate, this is nuanced and relatively austere for all its bold, plummy fruit. The supple richness of tannins lends it textural finesse, the quality of Silver Oak that may be most responsible for its legend. The alcohol is finely integrated so as to be imperceptible. Still youthfully floral, this will age with grace. (12/ 2012)

91 points Wine Enthusiast

This lovely wine shows the soft tannins and herbaceousness you often find in Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. That dried herb taste accompanies blackberry and black currant fruit. It’s classic Silver Oak, dry and elegant. (12/ 2012)

K&L Notes

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Silver Oak Cellars is sourced from several different vineyards in Alexander Valley. A small crop in 2008 produced flavorful grapes at a very modest alcohol level, and harvest went on for over a month as clusters were selected a peak ripeness. Further selection was done after fermentation, as the finest lots were blended into 50% new American oak barrels to age for 24 months. The moderate treatment of specifically American oak highlights the wine's distinct Alexander Valley terroir and minerality, rather than creating an undue influence on the wine's profile. Another 15 months of bottle aging at the winery rendered the wine ready to release and be enjoyed. From the winery: "Our 2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark, rich full-bodied wine with great tannic structure and mouth-feel. It has a garnet color and a nose of ripe boysenberries, cherry liqueur, dark chocolate, sandalwood and a hint of roasting meat. On the palate, it is mouth-coating and incredibly rich in umami. It has a very long, savory finish with the slight grip of fine-grained tannins. Given proper cellaring, this wine should give drinking pleasure through 2030."