Wines Alexander Valley Silver Oak - Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - 2010

Viniou Reviews

Silver Oak’s 2010 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic representation of California’s premier Cabernet-producing region. This wine is crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with small additions of Bordeaux varietals like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, depending on the vintage and house style. The 2010 vintage benefited from a mild growing season with cool conditions and a long hang time, allowing for optimal physiological ripeness. The Alexander Valley’s gravelly, well-drained soils provide excellent drainage, and the region’s warm days and cool nights help preserve acidity and structure in the fruit. Silver Oak is renowned for aging its wines extensively in American oak, which imparts signature notes of coconut, vanilla, and sweet baking spices to complement the wine’s dark cherry, cassis, and blackberry fruit profile. On the palate, you’ll find a plush, velvety texture with ripe tannins and a long, persistent finish.

The Alexander Valley, nestled in Sonoma County, is particularly celebrated for producing Cabernet Sauvignon of impressive elegance and depth. The region benefits from a unique combination of maritime influence from the nearby Pacific Ocean and the sheltered warmth of the Valley, creating an ideal microclimate for ripening Cabernet fruit. The alluvial and volcanic soils here provide structure and minerality, and viticulture has thrived since the 19th century. Silver Oak itself is a benchmark producer, helping to establish Alexander Valley’s reputation on the world stage.

For food pairings, this wine shines alongside classic American and Californian fare. Consider a grilled ribeye steak, rack of lamb with rosemary, or braised short ribs. The wine’s oak spice and robust fruit notes make it especially well-suited to dishes with earthy mushrooms or savory reductions. Traditional pairings from the region, like tri-tip barbecue or a hearty Santa Maria-style roast, are also excellent choices.

To best appreciate this wine’s aromatic complexity and texture, serve it at 16-18°C. Decanting for about an hour will help to open up its bouquet and smooth out any remaining tannins from bottle age. This wine is drinking beautifully now but can be cellared further if desired.