Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

The 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a nuanced wine that illustrates the results of cool, gradual ripening and a deft balance of varietal components. It has a dark garnet color and a complex nose of boysenberry, truffles, wild game, soy and black pepper. On the palate, the wine has a silky mouthfeel and an elegant, long finish with a slight tannic grip. With proper cellaring it should give drinking pleasure through 2032.

Our 2005 Napa Valley, a blend of wine from several selected vineyards in the appellation, is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. We blended the vineyard lots in early 2006 and transferred the wine to 100% new American oak barrels for aging. Blending prior to barreling allows us to achieve a balance of the wine's primary elements, such as fruit and tannin, before they are influenced by oak. The wine was then aged in barrel for approximately 25 months and another 20 months in bottle to harmonize its components before release.

Reviews:
"Good deep red-ruby. Musky aromas of cassis, licorice, game, tobacco leaf and subtle brown spices. Velvety-sweet and deep, with hints of tobacco leaf, mint and herbs giving definition to the middle palate. Nicely bright but youthfully tight wine, finishing with broad tannins. Carrying a moderate 13.5% alcohol. Still tight, but then this won't be released until next winter. Incidentally, following Silver Oak's purchase of a vineyard in Soda Canyon in 1999, this wine now relies less on contract fruit."
91 Points
International Wine Cellar

"Casual elegance defines this California classic. It's an herbal cabernet, with scents of grape skins and black olives rising out of the earthy tannin. Round and smooth in the middle , this ends with a clean and gentle feel. Ready for a rack of lamb."
90 Points
Wine & Spirits