Tag Archives: cabernet sauvignon

Snaring a Dream at Dry Creek Vineyard

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Dry Creek Vineyard

Dry Creek Vineyard

Founded in 1972 by David S. Snare, an MIT grad who was inspired by the Loire Valley wine growing region of France, Dry Creek Vineyard was his dream.  He intended on moving to France but was convinced instead to give it a try in Sonoma Valley, California.  He took classes in winemaking at U.C. Davis.

The Dry Creek location was an orchard and Snare replaced the prunes with grape vines and began to produce Sauvignon Blanc from his French inspiration and against all advice.  Since then Dry Creek has become the standard for Fume Blanc in Northern Sonoma County.  And in the last few decades they have also gained a reputation for Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Dry Chenin Blanc. 

My personal favorite is:

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

.  Grapes 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
.  Harvest: September 27 – October 30, 2006
.  Barrel Aging: 20 months in 54% French oak, 28% American and new oak, 18% Hungarian oak
.  Aging Potential: 8 – 12 years

Recommended to age for a decade or more, I tasted this wine in 2010 and it was smooth with a nose of cherry and dried flowers.  It is opulent on the palate with silky smooth tannins.  With oak nuances the palate fillings are of cocoa, black cherry and sweet current.  It is delicious.

Yes, it is Worth the Price – Silver Oak Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

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Silver Oak Cellars

Silver Oak Cellars

Located in the Napa Valley of Northern California is the Silver Oak Winery.  They produce the best Cabernet Sauvignon I have ever tasted; it has been their specialty for over 35 years. 

Raymond Twomey Duncan first visited the Napa Valley in the late 1960’s, it seduced him as it does everyone who goes there and he began investing in vineyards throughout the Napa and Alexander Valleys.  Justin Meyer, a winemaker from Christian Brothers, agreed to help Duncan in 1972 under the condition they raise the standards of California wine and they certainly have succeeded.  Meyer has since left but Daniel H. Baron was selected as his replacement.

Silver Oak Cellars devotes all of their attention to only Cabernet Sauvignon, and from the day of release it is ready to be enjoyed.  The wine is a blend of Bordeaux varietals and Cabernet Sauvignon.  

Current releases:

2005 Napa Valley

.  80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
.  Available in 750 ml bottle, 1.5L Magnum, 3L Double magnum and 6L Imperial
.  Released February 6, 2010
.  750ml $100.00

This wine has a complex nose of black pepper, soy, wild game, truffles and boysenberry with a dark garnet color.  It has a silky feel on the palate and a long finish with a slight tannic grip.  Correctly stored it should be enjoyable through 2032.

2005 Alexander Valley

.  100% Cabernet Sauvignon
.  Available in 750 ml bottle, 1.5L Magnum, 3L Double magnum and 6L Imperial
.  Released August 1, 2009 
. 750ml $70.00

Full-bodied with a dark garnet color and a nose of licorice, lavender, cinnamon, clove and black cherry.  Seamless on the palate it has an excellent length, velvety tannins and a solid core of berry fruits.  With the right storage it should be delicious through 2032.