93 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 5 % Cabernet Franc, 2 % Petit Verdot
13.9 % Alcohol
Tasted 2015-08-02
A Cabernet benchmark - the 1997 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium-deep cherry red. Enormously harmonic mix of black currant, licorice and some cedar wood. On the palate Cab feeling at its best. Fruity, velvety with a sensational peppery finish - after a very, very long time. The wine doesn't want to leave the mouth.
This wine is a prime example of what a Napa Valley Cab represents. The wine is perfectly aged; the tannins wonderfully integrated. Rarely, very rarely I drunk a wine which was closer to perfection. Perhaps the 2008 Grange. But in contradiction to this Australian masterpiece the Silver Oak has the corners and edges which are needed to transform an outstanding wine to a touching one.
The 1997 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cab is definitely on the top. I would not wait any longer. However it will provide also wine enjoyment on a very high level for the next ten years. But at the moment... it is perfect! Enjoy this diva with a chili oriented beef dish. Asian? Why not.
