Tasted in late September 2024 at Silver Oak’s Alexander Valley winery as part of a vertical, the 2015 Alexander Valley Cabernet showed a noticeable leap in elegance and purity of flavour compared to the 2014 vintage. The aromatic bouquet is focused and inviting, offering dusty red currants, overripe strawberries, and Fuji apples. Medium-bodied, with fine-grained tannins that are more integrated than in 2014. While 2014 marked the end of serious drought years in California, 2015 saw reduced yields but also reflected Silver Oak’s refinement in its use of American oak—and that distinction is evident between these two vintages. The 2015 has a greater sense of refinement, with more brown-spiced character over green spices and increased nuance on the palate. Long and flavourful, with impressive balance and complexity. (JC)