Silver Oak, How does it age

[Bob Henrick]

I have some early 90's Silver Oak cabernets and wonder how well, or how poorly they age. I have 90 and 91 from both Napa and Alexander valleys. 91 was IMO the best vintage of that decade and I am thinking of opening one. .Aany help is appreciated. These wines have been kept in a my Vinotheque wine cabinet at 55 degrees so the storage is not an issue.

[Lou Kessler]

Both those wines are going to drink as well as they ever will. The Napa ages better than the Alexander Valley and will hold together longer also.

[Bob Henrick]

Thanks a lot Lou! Wish we saw more of you over here. Might need to email you sometime.

[Randy Buckner]

I think Lou is being a little kind, Bob. I quit buying Silver Joke in 1991. I always preferred the Napa over the Alex. I find the wines need drinking by 10 years of age -- they quickly slide to oblivion after that.

Of course there are exceptions to every rule. I drank a '78 Alex in '96 as part of a getting out of the Army celebration. It was delightful. I'd pull a cork soon -- let us know what you find.

[Bob Henrick]

Thanks Randy. As soon as I can get this new certamic grill fired up and put some beef on, I will do just that. I am keeping my fingers crossed though.

[Tom Troiano]

Maybe I don't get Silver Oak but I've always been underwhelmed by their wines that have been aged a long time. If you like the style I think you're better off drinking these on the youngish side.

Tom T.

[wrcstl]

Bob,
I am going to have to come down on the side with Lou Kessler. Silver Oak is not my cabernet of choice but they age quite well and I have had both of these wines in the last couple of years. I think they are actually better with a good dose of bottle age than younger, the oak seems to integrate. My problem is that I no longer buy any wine with "oak" on the label.
Walt

[Bob Henrick]

Thanks Walt. I bought several of the 90 and 91's from both Napa and Alex, and had one each about 5 years ago. I was not impressed then, ergo the extrra aging. I need though, to find a decent reason to open one again even if it is just my wifes pot roast. come to think of it that might be an excellent reason to open one.