Not only did Master of Wine Greg Sherwood rate this the best Silver Oak Cabernet ever, at 97+ (and above a ton of $500-plus Napa Cabernet icons) – it actually outperformed the top-rated 2017 Silver Oak Napa Cabernet we (accidentally) opened beside it!
Sherwood says:
The amazing thing about the 2018 Sonoma and Napa Valley 2018 reds is that when you put your nose in a glass, you can almost smell the freshness and vibrant acidity lurking beneath their voluptuous fruit complexity. This beautiful Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception boasting striking high notes of violets, purple blossoms and lilac over rich, dense black berry fruits with a strong vein of blue berry crumble and sweet cherry tobacco. The palate is just as enticing boasting a wonderfully dense core of black berries and black cherry fruit concentration tightly interwoven with notes of graphite, stony minerality, kirsch liquor and black plum extract. With the harmonious density and superb fruit – acid balance comes a certain youthful charm, but undoubtedly, this is another vintage from Silver Oak that merits burying in the cellar because time will definitely reward the patient! A real 5-star stunner! Drink from 2026 and over the next 30+ years.