This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Silver Oak Cellars is sourced from several different vineyards in Alexander Valley. Rainfall in May made up for the dry winter, prolonging the growing season and making for ideal late ripening conditions for Cabernet. As is custom, the finest lots were blended into 50% new American oak barrels to age for 24 months. The moderate treatment of specifically American oak highlights the wine's distinct Alexander Valley terroir and minerality, rather than creating an undue influence on the wine's profile. Another 15 months of bottle aging at the winery smooths tannins and adds layers of complexity. Historically the Alexander Valley bottling is drinkable upon release but has the structure and stuffing to age. From the winery: "Our 2009 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex wine with berry and floral aromatics and a lovely structure. It has a dark, ruby color and a vibrant nose of black cherry, wisteria and sweet baking spices. On the palate, the wine is elegant and expressive and echoes the berry, floral and spice notes from the nose. It has a classic structure of fine grained tannins and a long, layered finish. Given proper cellaring, this wine should give drinking pleasure through 2032."