Touring Silver Oak Cellars

Last Friday, the Wine Scouts traveled to Silver Oak Cellars in Oakville for a guided tour of their new facilities by none other than their General Manager, David Duncan. Silver Oak Cellars had experienced both a flood and fire in 2006, leading them to re-invent their winery and tasting room. We first visited a beautifully appointed tasting room which then led to the first barrel room. David gave us a little history about the winery, its grounds, his father Ray and Ray’s long time friend and business partner, Justin Meyer.

Along the guided tour we saw the new tank room (David pointed out that it has the best sound system in the Napa Valley), where and how the barrels are stacked, the upstairs lab and the VIP tasting room.

Last but not least, he escorted us through an amazing tasting of a few Twomey Pinot Noirs, along with the 2006 Silver Oak Alexander and Napa Valley Cabernets – and of course, the current release of the 2007 Alexander Valley Cabernet.  The wines were fantastic examples of Silver Oak’s style, but we all had to agree that the 2007 Alexander Valley Cab may be their best vintage in a decade!  It was a real treat to be hosted in such style – we owe a big thank you to David and the entire Silver Oak team. (click the images to make them bigger)

Until our next fun outing,

--Ryan Hughes, Wine Scout