Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2024- Taste, Prices, and Key Features

As a sommelier with over a decade of experience tasting and reviewing fine wines, I always look forward to sampling the newest vintage release from Silver Oak Cellars. As a Napa Valley native who cut her teeth in the wine industry working harvests at some of Alexander Valley’s premier estates, I feel a personal connection to Silver Oak’s Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

On a recent trip to the Silver Oak winery, I was honored to receive an advance tasting of the 2024 Alexander Valley Cabernet, set to release in early 2027. As a long-time Silver Oak Alexander Valley fan and having watched this storied wine evolve over the past 10 vintages, I entered my tasting eager to see how the 2024 showed.

The Growing Conditions – An Ideal Alexander Valley Vintage

2024 proved an exceptional year for Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. A mild winter gave way to consistent spring temperatures, allowing the vines to set a healthy crop. Summer conditions were ideal, with moderate heat spikes and cool nights preserving acidity. Harvest arrived a touch early, but September’s dry and sunny weather produced beautifully ripened, flavorful grapes.

Winemaker Nate Weis calls 2024 “a dream vintage – one of those years where everything came together perfectly.” The resulting wines showcase the classic Alexander Valley profile – rich, structured, and age-worthy.

The Blend – Traditional Silver Oak Style

In signature Silver Oak fashion, the 2024 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The final blend contains 9% Merlot, reflecting the inclusion of Merlot vines in Silver Oak’s Geyserville estate vineyards. Combined with select Alexander Valley Cabernet lots aged 20 months in American oak, it creates an elegant, complex, and quintessentially Silver Oak style of Cabernet.

The Tasting – A Triumphant New Vintage

I sampled the 2024 Alexander Valley Cabernet in Silver Oak’s tasting room alongside vintages from the early 2010s for context. Right from pouring, the 2024’s deep purple hue signaled Silver Oak’s trademark intensity and concentration.

On the nose, layers of black cherry, cassis, vanilla, sweet tobacco leaf, milk chocolate, and baking spices leaped from the glass. With aeration, subtler notes of violet, slate minerality, and pencil lead added complexity.

On the palate, a plush, velvety texture gave way to mouthwatering acidity and firm, polished tannins. Flavors of blackberry compote, mocha, and subtle herbs lingered on the long, savory finish.

While approachable now after 2.5 years aging in a barrel, this wine will handsomely reward another 5-10 years of cellaring. I foresee 2024 drinking beautifully through 2040.

Pricing and Availability

The Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 will be released on February 1st, 2027 at the winery and through the Silver Oak mailing list. Like recent vintages, it will retail around $80 per 750 ml bottle. Given the high scores this wine will inevitably earn and the superb vintage, I expect it to sell out rapidly. Those interested should get on the mailing list or contact their preferred wine retailer to secure bottles shortly after release.

Should You Buy the 2024 Alexander Valley Cabernet?

In a word – absolutely! As a long-time Silver Oak drinker and Alexander Valley aficionado, I place the 2024 Alexander Valley Cabernet among the top vintages produced to date. It epitomizes the depth, complexity, and longevity of world-class Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Moreover, 2024’s near-perfect growing conditions produced a classically styled, exceptionally balanced Cabernet that communicates the Alexander Valley terroir. This wine provides a benchmark expression of Silver Oak’s Alexander Valley vineyards in a stellar vintage.

Given the demand for top Napa and Sonoma wines, the 2024 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers strong value at its $80 release price. Comparable Cabernet Sauvignons from Alexander Valley’s elite producers often sell for $120 or more upon release. This wine over-delivers for the price point.

In summary:

For Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts or Napa/Sonoma wine collectors, the Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 is a must-buy. I sampled the 2024 Alexander Valley Cabernet in Silver Oak’s tasting room alongside vintages from the early 2010s for context.

Right from pouring, the 2024’s deep purple hue signaled Silver Oak’s trademark intensity and concentration.It sets a new high-water mark for the refinement and elegance possible from Alexander Valley vineyards in an outstanding vintage. Do whatever you can to get your hands on a few bottles – you can thank me in 15 years!

For more updates on wine trends, check out our article on Emerging Wine Trends in 2024-Unique Varietals and Regions to Watch