Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015. Silver Oak Napa Valley (1.5L)

This 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is comprised of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.6% Merlot, 3.6% Cabernet Franc, 2.4% Petit Verdot and 0.4% Malbec. It was blended in early 2016 and aged for 24 months in 85% new American oak and 15% one-used American oak barrels from our Missouri cooperage, The Oak. Early blending assures a balanced core and allows all components to achieve a seamless harmony during barrel aging. It was then aged for an additional 20 months in bottle before being released in February of 2020.

The 2015 vintage was an economically challenging one for growers due to lower than normal crop size. It was also, however, a fantastic vintage for quality. Lower-than-average rainfall during winter ensured that 2015 would be the fourth vintage in a row to be impacted by the drought. Mild and dry conditions in early spring hastened budbreak throughout Napa Valley. Followed by a moderately cool spring, there were less-than-ideal conditions during flowering, which ultimately severely impacted yields. Temperatures soared in early summer. Heat spikes over 100 degrees were seen early in June and continued to appear through ripening and into October.

Harvest for the Oakville winery began in early September with the final delivery arriving on October 1. Crushing operations went smoothly, and tank space was not a limiting factor for this vintage. Because of the hot dry season, smaller berry size yielded balanced but compact, complex and dense wines with excellent concentration of flavors.

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