Napa Wine Tour: Silver Oak!!

Along with our tour at Opus One, this was the event we were most looking forward to, a food and wine pairing at Silver Oak. Called the "Silver Wine and Food Pairing", it is limited to eight guests but we were all on our own; well, actually, there were three of us eating, as one of their employees ate with us as she guided us through the pairings. We were also fortunate to meet the chef, who came up to introduce himself and present us with the food.

The food was fabulous and each plate was a perfect pairing with the wine it was 'assigned' to. What a different proper food pairing can make to wine. If you are skeptical, find an event like this and try it. You won't be skeptical anymore.

On to the wine, two from Silver Oak and two from their sister winery, Twomey (pronounced Toomey).

2012 Twomey Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($50.00)

Some strawberry, blueberry and nutmeg on the nose. Slight note of coffee on the palate. Finishes well. Tannins are strong; aging or decanting recommended to really allow it to open. 89.






2010 Twomey Cellars Merlot ($58.00)

Black cherry, chocolate, tobacco and herbs on the nose and palate. Velvety mouthfeel. Coats your mouth and tongue generously. Will age beautifully for a decade or more. 89.

2010 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($70.00)

Blueberry, blackberry, cassis and a hint of coffee on the nose. Blackberries and black cherry on the palate. Finishes long and beautifully. Already drinking well and as always, properly age it and you will not be sorry. 92.








2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($110.00)


An intriguing nose of jam and coffee, nutmeg and flowers. Coats your mouth with berries and pleasure. Already drinking well but like most of their wines, built to improve with age. Could probably improve for two decades or close to it. It's delicious already. 95


Another great feature of this winery is their library; they have an extensive list of older wines from all their vineyards for purchase. We walked out with three aged bottles: 2003 and 2007 from their Napa Vineyard, and this beauty which we cracked open at Catal at Downtown Disney:

1999 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($130.00)

Intense notes of cassis, leather, tobacco and fig. Still lots of fruit on the palate, with some herbs and a touch of tobacco. Long, lingering finish. Drinking absolutely beautifully. I can't imagine it would improve much with further aging. 95.