Silver Oak are based in the heart of California's Napa Valley, not far from the famous Oakville Crossroads. The majority of their vineyards though, some 200 acres, are in the more westerly Alexander Valley. The remaining 35 acres are in the Napa Valley. Silver Oak was established in 1972 and is the result of Justin Meyer's single minded pursuit of excellence and his dream of producing the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in California. The philosophy at Silver Oak is to produce wines that, when released, are ready to drink but not to the detriment of ageing potential. To this end, the wines are matured for three years in barrel and for a further two years in bottle. The two wines produced at Silver Oak are all made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon. This may give the impression that the wines could be a little harsh, without the softening influence of Merlot or Cabernet Franc. Silver Oak's wines are characterised, however, by their jammy voluptuousness, soft finish and rich ripe fruit. They believe that this is due to the position of their vineyards, the soil and the barrels that are used. Passionate supporters of American oak, it is the blend of the origins of the wood, from the forests of Kentucky and Missouri, together with the treatment it receives, that gives Silver Oak its very distinctive flavour. The three wines are all individual in style, although the rich jammy flavours and length on the palate are their hallmark. To generalise, one could say that the Alexander Valley is accessible sooner, with softer tannins and rich fruit; the Napa Valley has more complexity, backbone and structure;

The ageing potential of Silver Oak was inadvertently proved to us when we were invited to a tasting in Los Angeles. Forty 1974 Californian Cabernet Sauvignons were tasted blind. Coincidentally the first wine in the tasting was Silver Oak North Coast as it was called then, Alexander Valley as we now know it. The fruit, body, richness and length on the palate were all still there. It was a wonderfully ripe, full and complete Cabernet Sauvignon while sadly many wines from other producers failed to fulfil the potential of this outstanding vintage.

Silver Oak's very distinctive flavour makes it instantly appealing and, for some customers, almost addictive. Its charming balance of fruit and depth with a touch of toasty oak are unforgettable.