The Winery

Founded 40 years ago by the late Ray Twomey Duncan and Justin Meyer (who trained under Brother Timothy at Christian Brothers), Silver Oak Cellars became one of Napa Valley’s top cult wines earning huge scores from Robert Parker in the early 1990’s.  Parker loved the wine’s big personality and the use of American Oak barrels which lend these wines their iconic characteristics.  The 1985 Cabernet was crafted in a style popular at the time, which is to say it’s more age-worthy than today’s vintages, because earlier harvesting preserved the acidity that slows oxidation and also results in a more food-friendly, Bordeaux-style alcohol level (just 13.1%).

The Wine

As is usual for Silver Oak, this wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Tasting Notes: The wine’s color has turned to a ruby red in the body of the glass, with a noticeable brick-like (red-orange) hue at the edge of the glass, both are typical of an aged Cabernet.  Look for aromas of black olives, dried herbs, vanilla, caramel and dark-roasted coffee beans.  On the palate look for surprisingly robust dark fruit and sweet pie spices, with the usual dusty tannins now well-integrated (and some have fallen out of suspension as sediment, so be sure to decant slowly and carefully!).  Drink immediately upon opening, as wines of this age evolve rapidly once the cork is pulled!