By Silver Oak
2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage Description
The 2020 grape growing season commenced with a flourish - its early budbreak hinting at the promise of abundance. While initial concerns of frost loomed, nature smiled upon us with warm, sun-kissed days that nurtured the precious vines, enriching each grape with a story of resilience and vigor. Undoubtedly, challenges marked our journey - the whisper of lower rainfall and the embrace of warmer temperatures from vintages past. As seasoned artisans of the vine, we embraced these trials as opportunities in disguise. Our vineyard teams danced with the rhythm of nature, deftly guiding growth to maintain perfect balance. In the winery, our winemakers reveled in the bounty of concentrated flavors from lower yields. Indeed, the 2020 vintage is a testament to the spirit of innovation and dedication that defines us. With each bottle, we invite you to join us in celebrating a season of triumph: a season that yielded not just wine, but an unforgettable experience, crafted with love and care to leave an indelible mark on both palate and memories.

Blending and Aging
Our 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is comprised of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, and 0.6% Malbec. After blending in early 2021, our 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was transferred to American oak barrels from our cooperage, 'The Oak,' where it aged for 24 months. Blending before barrel aging, a signature of our winemaking style, allows blends to be based on the inherent qualities of vineyard components before oak influence. Vintage to vintage, the resulting Cabernets emerge integrated and ready to drink upon release.

Wine Details
Vintage: 2020
Release: August 3, 2024
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Alcohol: 14.60%
Composition: 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, 0.6% Malbec

Tasting Notes
The 2020 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has captivating notes of cedar and concentrated red fruit character that dance gracefully on the palate. With its ruby hue and smooth, polished tannins, this wine offers a harmonious blend of depth and nuance. Balanced acidity adds a refined touch to the long finish, with vibrant layers of fresh raspberry, cherry, and cola. This wine will continue to improve through 2042, given proper cellaring conditions.
[Information provided by Silver Oak]

Wine: Silver Oak, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA 2020
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2038
Review Date: 06/25/2025
Reviewed By: Jonathan Cristaldi
Tasting Notes: Shows no sign of the hardened tannic structure or overwrought fruit often associated with the 2020 vintage. Instead, this remains true to Silver Oak’s signature style, with blackcurrant, fig and plum fruits layered with white pepper, sweet cedar and coriander spice. Sculpted tannins persist through the lengthy finish. Retains all the hallmarks of a balanced, inviting and vibrant Silver Oak red. The blend contains 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot and 0.6% Malbec.

Wine: Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2020
Score/Rating: 94
Review Date: 04/22/2025
Reviewed By: Jim Gordon
Tasting Notes: Truly gorgeous, fruity, velvety and enjoyable for a full-bodied Cabernet. It is rich in blueberries, cherry cream, black cherries and raspberries on the palate, with very smooth, layered tannins and a soothing mouthfeel. So easy to drink now, but it will age well, too.

Wine: Silver Oak, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Score/Rating: 93
Review Date: 09/17/2024
Reviewed By: Michael Apstein
Tasting Notes: Plush and sexy, Silver Oak's dazzling 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon delivers succulent dark fruit offset by black olive-like nuances. Polished and suave tannins provide support without being intrusive or distracting, allowing for immediate enjoyment with a steak. Good acidity keeps it bright and you coming back for another sip.

Wine: Silver Oak 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Score/Rating: 92
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2036
Review Date: 01/2026
Reviewed By: Billy Norris
Tasting Notes: The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley is a very successful wine for a vintage fraught with the challenges of the late-season fires and smoke that infiltrated the entire region. Rich red cherry fruit, dried plum, graphite, toasted spices and slight herbal undertones are the signatures. Fine, powdery tannins perk up on the restrained finish. This is a very elegant Cabernet that shows none of the stress of the season. Very impressive.

Wine: Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2020
Score/Rating: 89
Suggested Drinking Window: Drink now through 2034
Review Date: 09/01/2025
Reviewed By: James Molesworth
Tasting Notes: Mulled black cherry and black currant fruit is liberally laced with savory and thyme notes, along with an olive edge. The cedary structure carries the open-knit finish. Drink now through 2034.

Wine: Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Alexander Valley
Score/Rating: 16.5/20
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2038
Review Date: 09/24/2024
Reviewed By: Alder Yarrow
Tasting Notes: A blend of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot and 0.6% Malbec. Aged in American oak for 24 months.
Smells of black cherry and blackberry. Flavours of black cherry and cola have a nice juiciness to them as muscular, slightly rustic tannins grab the palate and give it a squeeze. The tannins also dry the mouth slightly, leaving a faint hint of coconut along with black cherry in the finish. Excellent acidity keeps things fresh and bright.