TN: 2001 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet

WINE TALK
#1

So let me start that this is so far the oldest cab that I have tasted. I found this bottle in a local liquor store sitting tucked away in the back of the store. BTW - the store was anything but climate controlled. Southern CA near the ocean so I guess the temperature swings were 65 to maybe 82. The bottle (capsule and cork) looked intact. It sold for approximately 50% of the lowest wine searcher value so I thought I would give it a try.

OK - So upon opening the cork crumbled some what but I got it out. Somewhat of a sweet fragrant nose. I let it breathe in a glass for about 20 minutes and tried it. Very soft tannins, mild oak and I think a very distinct taste of vanilla! Very different from the more recent vintage cabs that I have tried. It is not bold by any means but subdued and consuming. I like it!

#2

Tony,

If you like it, that’s all that matters.

#3

Tony, if you liked it you should try their 2006. Very similar profile to the 2001, just dialed down a little compared to a properly stored 2001. (I used to have a decent amount of Silver Oak AV up to a couple years ago.)

EDIT: Are you Dagman on CellarTracker?

#4

Shocked! I am shocked to hear that about this wine. [stirthepothal.gif]

#5

Guess that is what I was looking for. Are Silver Oak’s known for their vanilla background? Sounds like they are.

#6

Yes, Tony, they are pretty solid on the vanilla component, but I’m surprised a bit that a 15 year old Silver Oak still has vanilla so prevalent. I’m a fan of aged Silver Oak - my wife is a fan of young Silver Oak. Guess how many aged bottles we have in our house?

#7

Thanks for the feedback. As I mentioned this was the oldest cab I have had so far and with the questionable storage conditions, I was curious if it was “off center” from where it should be. I am pleased with it - in fact a I am enjoying a 2nd day glass right now with no improvement / degradation over last night. I might just go back to snag another bottle or two!

#8

I think of it like Jordan, classic benchmarks American steakhouse cabs as a style reference.

Vanilla = Silver Oak!

If you like the style, make this your “experiment wine” to keep going older and older on. They hit their modern style, I think, early on…early 90’s? Maybe even the 80’s.

It may be a good guide to how aged you like your Cali cabs!

Cheers!

#9

Yes - I am relatively early on in my wine tasting experience (not age unfortunately!). This was a bit of an experiment for me but an enjoyable one! I have a 2001 Spottswoode Estate in the queue for me to try next.

#10

I really enjoyed their wines in the 80’s. As I recall, there was a marked style change when the 1994 was released. I believe part of it was a style change and probably at least as big of a change was a change in vineyard source ( I believe this occurred around that time).

#11

I’ve been trying to think back to when the change took place.

#12

Many of us like Silver Oak, but prefer to remain anonymous.
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#13

I think the “change” referenced here occurred with the transition of winemaking duties from Justin Meyer to Daniel Baron. IIRC this was with the 93 vintage but may be off by a year. The Justin Meyer made Silver Oaks of the 80’s and early 90’s were tremendous.

Tom

#14

Early 80’s Bonny’s were really good.

#15

I agree, we still have bottles of Bonny’s here and there that are aging very well 30+ years on. (I will risk life and limb to describe them as Bordeaux-like.) [cheers.gif]

#16

I’m opening a 2000 Napa S.O. on Saturday (IT WAS A GIFT!!)
I’ll report.

#17

Not as much as you could find in certain [highfive.gif] products from 7-11.

#18

The Silver Oak hallmark to the Wine Weasles starting back in the 80’s was a pickle barrel nose, courtesy of American oak aging.
Bonny’s was identifiable by the additional herbal/vegetal quality. I was told the vineyard surrounding the Myer’s house was so close to the river, there was lots of water and vigor contributing factors to its distinctiveness.

#19

The dill part and not the vinegar part of the pickle, I hope.

#20

Bonny’s was amazingly (I mean that almost as a flaw) brambly and wild when a new release, then it changed more than almost any other wine I have followed over time.