Silver Oak Cabs-any opinions out there?

[rosielucchesini]

Hi, I will be attending Silver Oak's annual tasting and release of their cab this weekend. As this vintage is from the year of my wedding, I am thinking of purchasing a bottle as a gift to my husband for our 5th anniversary (to then be enjoyed at a later date-if we can keep it for that long-the wine, not the marriage!).
Given that this is one expensive bottle of wine, I'd be given to know anyone's thoughts. They seem to have a good following but not sure if it's just hype, loyal fans or what. I've had their wines in the past and have enjoyed them but am curious to hear others' opinions. Thanks.

[rosielucchesini]

Well a killer migraine forced me to lay low all weekend so I didn't end up going to Silver Oak after all. Thanks for all of the great suggestions everyone. I still like the idea of getting a 2002 vintage for my 5 year wedding anniversary this year-it's just a matter of which one. It sounds as though I have a few options to go off of. Thanks again.

[zin1953]

Sorry about the migraine -- that sucks!

The idea of getting a 2002 *is* a wonderful idea. I would check out a couple of top-quality wine merchants in your area and see what they recommend.

[dinwiddie]

Let's start with the fact that you want to keep the wine for 5 years, if you are looking for wines that age for 20 you pretty much have to stick to ports and maybe the top Bordeauxs.

If you can find it, try to get the 2002 Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz Barossa Valley E&E Black Pepper. It is a fantastic Aussie Shiraz and will age wonderfully. For a nice Pinot Nori the Beaux Frères Pinot Noir Willamette Valley The Beaux Frères Vineyard is a very good wine that will last for 5 years. If you are looking for a CA Cab, try the Lewis, Paul Hobbs or Etude Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa Valley, Pride, Shafer Relentless, or the aforementioned Caymus.

[rosielucchesini]

Okay-I got a wide variety of opinions but the overwhelming consensus is that it is an overrated wine with a price to match. So, considering what I am trying to do here-any good 2002 (cellar worthy) wines that you would recommend?

[chickstein]

Hang on a second here! You will be attending this GREAT event, and you WERE thinking of purchasing a bottle, but changed your mind because a group on the internet told you they are not big fans for one reason or another? Are you always this easily led from your convictions?

Do what YOU want to do! While in Napa or Sonoma this weekend, you will have an amazing experience. If you decide to purchase a bottle of wine for opening later, you will remember the experience fondly. The Silver Oak will be VERY good. Several years ago, I met my husband sitting on the swing at St. Clement. To this day, evey year on our anniversary we drink a bottle of Orropas. And every year it is FANTASTIC, because it holds a very special meaning to us.

[zin1953]

I agree, Chickstein, that Rosie should "do what [SHE] wants to do!" But it's not at all clear from her original post that it's something she really does in fact want to do.

Having been to Silver Oak several times, I do not think it's an "amazing experience," but rather a zoo. Now, admittedly, that's my experience. Others will have had their own experiences, and surely some people enjoy going every year. A lot of people I now do not.

As for the quality of the wine, some people enjoy it -- after all, they make a lot of wine, and they generally sell out of it. I do not enjoy it. As I indicated above, it's very well-made wine, but not to my taste; I can appreciate the quality of the wine, but I'd much rather drink something else. (Like St. Clement, for instance.)

That's *my* taste; others may agree or disagree; but Rosie was asking for people's opinions and she got them.

[zin1953]

Rosie -- this is a different question. I'm very happy to provide some suggestions, but my years in the retail wine trade force me to ask some questions before I can just throw some names out there . . .

Are you looking for a Napa Valley Cabernet, or will some other kind of wines fit your need? What type of wine does your husband enjoy (after all, it's a gift for him), that you *also* enjoy (afer all, you're going to be drinking it too)? And finally, what price range?

There are literally hundreds of thousands of wines out there that will age five years, so a bit more info will help -- me, at least -- to narrow the field down.

(P.S. This is what good wine merchants do -- listen to what you like, what you dislike, and your price range, and then make appropriate recommendations.)

[Chicago Mike]

For 2002's, Red and White Burgundies were stupendous that year. Favor reds if you're looking for something to cellar.

Also, '02 was a particularly good year for Sauternes, very cellar-worthy.

[Chicago Mike]

FWIW, Silver Oak has a tremendous vineyard great grapes from one of the greatest locations in all of Napa, IMO. Near to Caymus, Groth, etc. Very worthwhile stuff, but also IMO quite vintage-sensitive.

[zin1953]

All the more mysterious as to why a) their Napa Valley bottling is not up to the quality of their Alexander Valley bottling, and b) so many people I know (myself included) perfer wines like Caymus and Groth over Silver Oak . . .

[dinwiddie]

Actually I much prefer some much less expensive wines such as Karl Lawrence, Whitehall Lane, and Buehler to the Silver Oak Napa or Alexander Valley.

[zin1953]

My point exactly. (See my initial post.) ;^)

[hotoynoodle]

i'm not a fan, but you can decide for yourself at the tasting. they use a ton of new american oak, which just doesn't float my boat. silver oak has become the kind of wine people buy for name recognition -- like cakebread and jordan. albeit, made in smaller quantities.

[Husky]

I agree. The only people I see ordering Silver Oak in restaurants are those who "surf the right side" of the wine list.

[zin1953]

Agreed.

[oolah]

What does "surf the right side" of the wine list mean? I've never heard this expression.

I personally enjoy Silver Oak, but only when someone else is paying for it.

[Husky]

It refers to people that just scan the prices and order the most expensive bottle. Presumably to impress whomever they're with or because they don't know squat about wine and figure if it costs the most, it must be the best.

[Chicago Mike]

Not quite sure what the year of your marriage is, but you refer to 5 years so.... 2001 is an overall excellent cabernet vintage in Napa, IMO... 2002 is fair. If you're talking about the '01 Silver Oak vintage, this would probably be an excellent wine for your purposes.

If you're looking for something from '02 with good shelf life, I'd honestly favor a red burgundy or a Sauternes, both quite nice that year.

[dinwiddie]

The 2001 Silver Oak, both the Napa and the Alexander Valley, are pretty good, but they are oaky. I also prefer the Alexander Valley to the Napa Valley bottling. The 2002s were not as good as the 2001s. However, for the same money, there are other CA Cabs that I'd buy first. But if you are going to be there and taste them, and you like them, by all means buy one to hold. If you keep it properly (proper temp, away from too much light, etc.) it should last for 5 years easily.

[chickstein]

I am not a fan because I do not like American oak. I can taste American oak from a mile away. That is just my preference. That said, I think Silver Oak makes a good wine. They have been kicked by the press, but they sell out every vintage.

[zin1953]

I am not a fan of Silver Oak, but I have ALWAYS preferred the Alexander Valley over their Napa Valley and the (now-defunt) "Bonny's Vineyard" bottling. For me, SO has always been an example of "the least expensive is the best."

[Midlife]

If you're going to the release party you can decide for yourself. You pay the $20 (I think it is now), they give you the glasss, and you can taste for the entire day if you wish. Last year they had Aidell's Sausage and a rather good chili as free food. This event is quite a party. Could be a 1200+ people there at peak.

Oh..... the wine. The Napa has a street price of around $90, the Alexander (released in the summer) is $55 or so. Unless you want the romance of having bought it at the winery, you should be able to do better at most retailers. Both are good examples of classic Cabs from their respective AVAs, I think. The Napa is a bit fuller, with a more pronounced tannic structure. The Alexander is smoother throughout and not quite as intense. I frequently hear people say the Alexander is a better value.

Silver Oak does suffer a bit from the over-exposed syndrome in that many will say that, for the same money, you can get better wine. While you're there see if you can try Frank Family, Pride, maybe Jarvis. Others will chime in on the list. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!