Silver Oak Cab Sauvnapa Valley 1997

Rating: 89/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator

The 1997 growing season was marked by extremes. Despite floods, early budbreak, heat waves and high yields, we made some of the most exciting wine in recent memory.Early winter rainfall was abundant and we experienced flooding in some vineyards on New Year's day. Spring was dry and budbreak was the earliest in memory. Bloom was quite early and very fast and even. The quick bloom translated into high yields and even maturity. Veraison (the coloring and softening of the fruit) was about ten days early.Summer came on with a vengeance and in the first week of August temperatures soared to as high read more...as 111 degrees. Some young vines suffered, but the more established vineyards had deep enough roots to weather the heat. We picked a young Merlot vineyard on August 7th, but did not begin picking in earnest until September 4th, about a week early. As we began harvest, we discovered our yields were quite high and that all the vineyards were ripe at once. These factors made the scheduling of picking and crushing very challenging. Weather conditions in September were dicy at times with a few minor showers, threats of rain and mild heat spells. In general, excellent harvest and ripening weather prevailed and we were done picking by September 29th. Winemaking: The 1997 wines were fermented in stainless steel tanks at temperatures of 86 degrees. Malo-lactic fermentations were conducted in tanks. After blending, the wine was barreled down in early 1998 in new American oak barrels. Our 1997 Napa was aged 24 months in barrel, and then cellared another eighteen months in bottle before release on February 2nd, 2002.Tasting Notes:The 1997 Napa Valley is a wine of extraordinary intensity and depth. It has a very dark garnet color and a concentrated nose of cassis, roasting coffee, chocolate, violets and sandalwood. It is extremely rich on the palate, with a full body and a long, fruity intense finish. This Cabernet will continue to improve for 15 to 17 years given proper cellaring.93% Cabernet Sauvignon,5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot    (hide)

Wine Advocate ReviewRated 94The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa looks to be one of the finest wines made by the winemaking team of proprietor Justin Meyer and winemaker/viticulturist Daniel Baron. The 1997 Napa is an impressive effort. A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine has a flamboyant nose of fruitcake, licorice, Asian spice, black currants, and toasty wood. Deep, opulent, viscous, intense, chewy, and thick, it is a classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon made in an all-American oak lovers' style. It should drink well for 12-15 years.

January 2009

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar in Issue 102, May/June 2002 (includes 5% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot) Deep ruby-red, with faint amber at the rim. Deeply pitched aromas of currant, tobacco, mocha, bitter chocolate, game, oak char and cigar box; strong element of sweet roasted wood. Sweeter and richer than the Alexander Valley bottling; has more mid-palate stuffing to buffer its firm spine of acidity. Just a whiff of herbs in the mouth. Finishes quite long, with broad tannins reaching the teeth. Complex and satisfying.

Robust and rich, but slightly disappointing for the price.

September 2008

Smooth and polished, with rich currant, dill, cedar and cherry fruit. Turns complex, with fine, well-integrated tannins, finishing with persistent flavors. Drink now through 2009... Wine Spectator. A Cabernet Sauvignon wine from California in USA. 1997 Silver Oak Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 750ml

January 2009