94pts Decanter

In another near-perfect growing season, with a mild July and August and warmer temperatures in September, harvest wrapped up on 7 October - just a week before the first big rainstorm. The word that defines this midweight Cabernet is refined. It’s bright, lifted, dark-fruited and juicy, with attractive cassis aromas and savoury herb-and-olive flavours. Though mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, the blend includes a bit more Merlot than usual, as well as dashes of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

94pts Tasting Panel

Three of Silverado’s estate vineyards bore the fruit for this sleek red, blended with 13% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cab Franc: Silverado Vineyard in the Stags Leap District, Mt. George Vineyard in Coombsville, and Oakville Station, a historic site on the western edge of the Oakville bench that’s under the purview of UC Davis. Aged 16.5 months in French, Hungarian, and American oak, it displays serious tannins that build to eventually express reined-in power. Flavors of jammy blackberry are lengthened by graphite and bittersweet dark chocolate; vibrant and textural underbrush enters on the finish.

93pts James Suckling

Attractive cassis here with a wealth of plush and nicely ripe blackberry and red-plum aromas and flavors. The palate has fine, firm tannins that carry long and fresh. Drink or hold.

92pts Wine Enthusiast

Soft in texture and accented in smoky, toasted oak, this estate wine blends in 13% Merlot and 3% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It offers lush layers of tangy black fruit, clove, sage and a touch of warmth.

Winemaker Notes

This approachable Cabernet offers aromas of blackberry crisp and exhibits flavors of cherry, clove and a hint of dark chocolate. Full bodied and smooth with a lingering finish.