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Silver Oak Cellars

April 12, 2024

Silver Oak Cellars is a family-owned, California winery dedicated to producing only Cabernet Sauvignon. Silver Oak was established in 1972 by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer. It is currently operated by Ray's sons David Duncan, who serves as the President and CEO, and his brother, Tim Duncan, who serves as Executive Vice President. Silver Oak has two wineries; one in Oakville in the Napa Valley and one in Healdsburg in the Alexander Valley.[1] The Duncan Family also established Twomey Cellars in 1999, which has wineries in Calistoga and Healdsburg.

Silver Oak Cellars

LocationOakville, California
Healdsburg, California, USA
Appellation
Founded1972
First vintage1972
Key peopleFounders Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer
David Duncan, President and CEO,
Tim Duncan, Executive Vice President
Nate Weis, Director of Winemaking
Websitehttp://www.silveroak.com/

In 2007, the ColoradoBiz cited Silver Oak as one of a dozen California wineries which "have reached cult status" for its Cabernet Sauvignon production and occupies an "important niche in California's wine industry."[2] In 2016, Silver Oak's Oakville winery became the first commercial winery in the world to earn the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum Certification for efficient energy use; their Alexander Valley winery was also granted the certification in the "new building" category in 2018.

History edit

Silver Oak was the vision of Justin Meyer. Entrepreneur and oil entrepreneur, Ray Duncan had purchased Franciscan Vineyards and approached Justin Meyer, whom he had met through mutual friends, and asked him to plant and manage his vineyards and winery. While working at Christian Brothers, Justin agreed, and started Silver Oak on the side. Ray invested in Meyer and Silver Oak was established in 1972.[3] Named after its location between Oakville and the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley,[2] Justin and Ray's vision for Silver Oak was to devote all their resources to producing a single wine and Justin's favorite focus - Cabernet Sauvignon. Justin's vision was to perfect and make a wine that was 100% Cabernet, no blending.[3]

 
Founders, Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer

In 1972, Ray purchased a dairy farm in Oakville, in the Napa Valley, which is the site where the Silver Oak Napa Valley winery stands today. It was on this dairy farm in 1972 where Silver Oak's first vintage was produced using grapes from Silver Oak's Alexander Valley vineyards. That same year, Ray and Justin began planting Silver Oak's first Napa Valley vineyard. Seven years later, Silver Oak harvested the grapes for the company's first Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Silver Oak produced 1,600 cases of 1972 North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Oak's first wine.[2] However, according to David Duncan, quoted in 2007, the company didn't sell wine for the first five years but then sold out for 28 years consecutively, and the company has continued to grow.[2] In 1981, on the site of the old dairy farm in Oakville, Silver Oak broke ground on their Napa Valley winery which was completed in 1982.[3] Growth of the company from 1977 onwards enabled Silver Oak to purchase further vineyards in the 1980s and early 1990s, becoming one of the most successful Cabernet Sauvignon brands of the 1980s.[4][5] In 1994, Justin Meyer brought on Daniel Baron to become his successor. Daniel Baron has served as Silver Oak's Director of Winemaking since 2001.[6]

 
Silver Oak Cellars, Oakville.
 
Historic tower, Oakville.

After being approached by numerous large scale alcohol industries with offers to buy Silver Oak, the partners decided they had different visions for the winery. As Justin's son, Matthew Meyer was starting a small production winery on the side - Meyer Family Cellars - in January 2001, co-founder Justin Meyer sold his share of the company to Ray Duncan. Soon after, Justin Meyer died on August 6, 2002, and was commemorated in the Culinary Institute of America's Vintner Hall of Fame at Greystone in Saint Helena.[7][8] Larry Walker of Wines & Vines accredited Meyer with making important contributions in uniting growers and winemakers, reviving the American Vineyard Foundation, where he served as president, and catapulting the California wine industry to a leading player on the world stage.[8]

On New Years Day 2006, the Oakville winery experienced a major flood from the Napa River. The following month, on February 2, 2006, the Oakville winery was devastated by a fire which destroyed the dairy barn, the original structure on the property.[1][9] The Duncan Family decided to rebuild the Oakville winery from the ground up, which was completed in October 2008.[1] The rebuild included using some 550 tons of reclaimed stone from a 115-year-old dismantled mill in Coffeyville, Kansas, installing 1,464 solar panels to generate solar power for the facility, elevating the property 4.5 feet above the flood plain and moving their iconic water tower 12 feet.[1] The Duncan Family also salvaged the two stained glass windows in the original winery that had been created by local artist Diane Peterson in the theme of the Napa Valley. Peterson was asked during the rebuilding to create two further stained glass windows—four windows in total which represent the four seasons.[1] In the tasting room is a glass-house library, built from white oak which had previously been a barn in Missouri, displaying Silver Oak wines dating back to the 1970s.[1] Upon appointment, visitors can be taken on a "Silver Tour and Taste" or a Silver Tour and Food Pairing, featuring foods prepared by winery Chef Dominic Orsini.[10]

In August 2012, Silver Oak announced the acquisition of Sausal Vineyard and Winery in the Alexander Valley known for its zinfandel-based wines[11] and variety of soils which had not been previously available to Silver Oak.[12] The aim of the purchase was to use the land (75 acres planted in vines) to expand Silver Oak's Cabernet Sauvignon production.[11] In March 2014, Silver Oak Cellars was visited by Hollywood A-listers Drew Barrymore, Reese Witherspoon, and Cameron Diaz.[13] In July 2014, a second generation Napa Valley winemaker Nate Weis joined the firm.[14] On August 24, Silver Oak was affected by the 2014 South Napa earthquake, although $32,500 worth of wine was saved thanks to Duncan's decision to install steadier four-barrel racks after the 2006 fire in anticipation of a future earthquake.[15][16]

In 2017, the Duncan family purchased Napa Valley's Ovid winery, with 15 acres of vineyards set in Pritchard Hill.[17] They also signed an agreement with the San Francisco Giants, becoming their first official wine partner.[18]

Vineyards edit

 
Winemaker Daniel Baron walking through the vineyards at Silver Oak's Oakville winery

Fruit for Silver Oak's Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from estate-owned vineyards in the Napa and Alexander Valleys, and from independent partner growers who have a contract with Silver Oak to grow grapes for them.[1] The backbone of Silver Oak's Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Silver Oak's 113 acre Soda Canyon Ranch Vineyard in the Napa Valley where Silver Oak grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec grapes.[19] Silver Oak also owns Jump Rock Vineyard, an 18-acre vineyard with rusty-red, rocky soils dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon. In St. Helena, Silver Oak farms the small 8 acre Navone Vineyard. Its gravelly loam soils help to produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Syrah.[19] In Alexander Valley, all of Silver Oak's vineyards are dedicated to growing Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1987, Silver Oak purchased an 80-acre vineyard they named Miraval, the cornerstone of Silver Oak's Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Miraval Vineyard sits at an elevation of 200–350 feet with clay and sandy loam soils. In the southern end of the valley, near the course of the Russian River, Silver Oak cultivates the 45 acre Red Tail Vineyard, which they purchased in 1988.[19] It has clay and sandy loam soils at an elevation of 320–340 feet.[19] In 2012 Duncan bought the 113-acre former Sausal Winery. In 2018 Silver Oak acquired two more vineyards in the area: Big River and Crazy Creek.[20]

Winemaking edit

Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for about 25 months exclusively in American oak barrels.[6][21] Silver Oak's Alexander Valley wines are aged in both new and once-used American oak barrels and spend an additional 14 months in bottle before release.[6] Silver Oak's Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in only new American oak barrels and spends about 20 months in bottle after barrel.[6] In answer to the question of why Silver Oak insists upon aging their wines in American oak barrels, Meyer once said, "I'm happy with a cellar of about 65 degrees. Aging is speeded up by heat and slowed down by cold, but the only thing I do to modify my cellar is drink it faster... To my palate, American oak imparts less wood tannin than French oak. I like tannic wine about as much as I like tough steak."[22] The company formed a partnership with Missouri-based barrel producer A&K Cooperage in 2000 to have a steady supply of American oak barrels made to Silver Oak's specifications.[6] In 2015, Silver Oak acquired A&K, becoming the first winery in the United States to own an American cooperage. Silver Oak now has full control of its barrel production, and have officially called it "The Oak Cooperage".[20][23]

Reception edit

In 2007 the Colorado Biz cited Silver Oak as one of a dozen California wineries which "have reached cult status" for its Cabernet Sauvignon production and occupies an "important niche in California's wine industry."[2] The popularity of the wines means that their new releases are eagerly awaited, cited by The California Directory of Fine Wineries as a "ritual for connoisseurs", and people often camp out overnight to be at the front of the queues.[24][25] In his review of the Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, noted wine critic Robert Parker called Silver Oak winery a "superb Cabernet producer."[26] Orange Coast Magazine cited Silver Oak's Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as a "beautiful, complex contemporary wine with more than enough polish to stand up to the classics."[27] The Rough Guide to California considers Silver Oak's Cabernet Sauvignon to be the "crème de la crème of the heady red."[28]Frommer's said that the firm was "long known for producing the go-to cabernet for label-conscious big spenders",[29] and Lonely Planet cited the wine as "one of those names that you bring to the dinner table to turn heads" and added that it was "pricey, yes, but legendary."[30] Philip Goldsmith described Silver Oak as a "temple for red-wine lovers," highlighting the "powerful, velvety" taste and "unusual aroma," resulting from aging in exclusive American oak barrels.[31] Peg Melnik and Tim Fish described the wine as an "art form," which is "known to cabernet lovers around the country."[32] In 2012, Wine & Spirits Magazine selected Silver Oak's 2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet as one of "Year’s Best Cabernet Sauvignon," which was acclaimed by critics.[33] In 2016, Oprah Winfrey cited 2012 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon on her annual "Favorite Things" list.[34]

Technology and sustainability edit

 
Interior of the winery at Oakville

Silver Oak has considered sustainable methods important since its inception. The Duncan Family states that the company's livelihood and future livelihood depend upon the "ecological viability of the land" and contribute to a better quality grape and wine. The new winery in Oakville, built using reclaimed materials, features 1464 solar panels which provide far more energy than the winery needs and results in 292,000 kilowatt hours sent back to the municipal power grid.[1][35] The building itself was designed to increase energy efficiency and features a fermentation room with a natural air conditioning system. This system expels hot air, allowing cool night air to enter while the room's large windows and thick walls regulate temperature.[35] The Napa Winery is Green Business certified under the Napa Green Winery Program, administered by the Napa County Department of Environmental Management (DEM), and the Association of Bay Area Government's (ABAG) Green Business Program, meeting the requirements of environmentally sustainable farming such a soil, water and energy conservation.[35]

In the vineyard, Silver Oak practices Integrated Pest Management to regulate harmful pests and have installed nesting boxes in their vineyards for bluebirds and owls to help control pests.[35] Between vine rows, Silver Oak grows cover crops to aid in the growth of organic matter, reduce weed growth, help retain soil nutrients and improve soil structure. Their irrigation system in the vineyards is regulated with soil moisture and plant stress monitors to conserve water application.[35] Silver Oak's Soda Canyon Ranch, Miraval, Calistoga, and Geysersville vineyards have been awarded the Fish Friendly Farming Certification, which is awarded to agricultural properties which help restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve the quality of water.[35]

In 2016, Silver Oak's Oakville winery became the world's first production winery to be granted LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum Certification under the Existing Buildings, Operation and Maintenance (EB:OM) rating system – the highest level of certification granted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for efficient energy use. Its membrane bioreactor treats an average of 4700 gallons a day during the winemaking process, and allows for the water to be reused for cleaning tanks and flushing the toilets. The winery employs a CO2 heat pump for sanitizing water and over 2500 solar panels for energy, storing it in batteries.[36] In 2018, the Alexander Valley winery achieved LEED Platinum certification for its new Alexander Valley facility, the first in the world to attain it in the category of "new construction."[37] According to Bloomberg the facility uses "zero toxic materials, solar panels, pure, filtered air, salvaged redwood siding from old 1930s wine tanks and is "wrapped in a sleekly modern, barn-style building".[38]

In 2009, Silver Oak's Associate Winemaker Christiane Schleussner, working with Carlos Macku, Lesa Gonzalez, Ana Cristina Mesquita and Leonard C. Kirch at Cork Supply USA and Cork Supply Portugal, pioneered the commercial sensory evaluation method known as "dry cork sensory screening" for detecting the chemical compound TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisol), which is responsible for cork taint.[39]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Oakville's Silver Oak Cellars makes historic improvement". St. Helena Star. 16 October 2008. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e . ColoradoBiz. 1 September 2007. Archived from the original on 11 June 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
  3. ^ a b c "Our Story". Silver Oak Cellars. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  4. ^ Dorling, Kindersley; Gordon, Jim (1 October 2010). The Wine Opus. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 37. ISBN 978-1-4053-5267-3. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  5. ^ Quarterly Review of Wines. Richard L. Elia. 2005. p. 54. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  6. ^ a b c d e Jennings, Richard (6 June 2012). "Silver Oak: Reappraising a California Cabernet Icon". Huffington Post. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  7. ^ . Wines & Vines. 1 February 2001. Archived from the original on 11 June 2014. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  8. ^ a b . Wines & Vines. 1 November 2002. Archived from the original on 11 June 2014. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  9. ^ Practical Winery/vineyard. D. Neel. 2009. p. 7. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  10. ^ "Silver Oak Cellars Unveils New Winery and Tasting Room in Oakville". Food Weekly News. 23 October 2008. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  11. ^ a b Weed, Augustus (August 17, 2012). "Silver Oak Cellars Buys Zinfandel Specialist Sausal Winery". winespectator.com. Wine Spectator.
  12. ^ . Food & Beverage Close-Up. August 20, 2012. Archived from the original on March 28, 2015.
  13. ^ "The Heart of the Valley: David Duncan". Hauteliving.com. 22 May 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  14. ^ "New winemakers for Silver Oak and Twomey". Thedrinksbusiness.com. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  15. ^ . Bloomberg. 28 August 2014. Archived from the original on August 31, 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  16. ^ "In quake, barrels became quarter-ton projectiles". USA Today. 30 August 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  17. ^ "California's Silver Oak Purchases Napa Cult Winery Ovid". Wine Spectator. 21 April 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  18. ^ "Silver Oak Signs To Become Official Wine Partner Of San Francisco Giants". Forbes. 9 April 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  19. ^ a b c d "Vineyards". Silver Oak. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  20. ^ a b "Silver Oak is building the state's most eco-friendly winery". San Francisco Chronicle. 18 January 2018. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  21. ^ "Silver Oak Cellars". Napa Valley Vintners. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  22. ^ "Drinking in the sights, wines at Yosemite". Daily Herald. 13 January 1999.[dead link]
  23. ^ . Silveroak.com. Archived from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  24. ^ Blue, Anthony Dias (17 October 2006). Anthony Dias Blue's Pocket Guide to Wine 2007. Simon and Schuster. p. 93. ISBN 978-0-7432-9838-4. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  25. ^ Olmstead, Marty; Holmes, Robert; Silberkleit, Tom (30 April 2003). The California Directory of Fine Wineries. Wine House Press. p. 55. ISBN 978-0-9724993-1-6. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  26. ^ Parker, Jr., Robert M. (27 October 1995). "Recommended New Releases - America". The Wine Advocate. 101. This superb Cabernet producer has finally released its splendid 1991s.
  27. ^ Orange Coast Magazine. Emmis Communications. September 1998. p. 49. ISSN 0279-0483. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  28. ^ Dickey, J. D.; Rough, Guide; Edwards, Nick (2 May 2011). The Rough Guide to California. Rough Guides Limited. p. 613. ISBN 978-1-84836-862-0. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  29. ^ Poole, Matthew (18 July 2012). Frommer's San Francisco 2013. John Wiley & Sons. p. 402. ISBN 978-1-118-33170-5. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  30. ^ Bing, Alison; Channell, Dominique (1 February 2008). San Francisco. Con Pianta. Ediz. Inglese. Lonely Planet. p. 313. ISBN 978-1-74104-676-2. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  31. ^ Goldsmith, Philip (28 November 2007). Moon Northern California Wine Country. Avalon Travel. p. 250. ISBN 978-1-59880-078-4. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  32. ^ Melnik, Peg; Fish, Tim (2 May 2011). Explorer's Guide Napa & Sonoma: A Great Destination (Ninth Edition) (Explorer's Great Destinations). The Countryman Press. p. 87. ISBN 978-1-58157-896-6. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  33. ^ . Silver Oak Cellars. Archived from the original on 29 January 2013. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  34. ^ "Good Libations Customizable Pre-Etched Limited Edition Holiday Bottles of 2012 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon". Oprah.com. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  35. ^ a b c d e f . Silver Oak Cellars. Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
  36. ^ "Silver Oak Earns First LEED Platinum Certification for Eco-Friendly Winery". Wine Spectator. 1 August 2016. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  37. ^ "Silver Oak Builds First New Winery to Earn LEED Platinum Sustainability Certification". Wine Spectator. 17 July 2018. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  38. ^ "Tasting Rooms for the Millennial Era Sprout in Napa and Sonoma". Bloomberg. 27 August 2018. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  39. ^ . Agriculture Week. 1 April 2010. Archived from the original on 11 June 2014. Retrieved 3 March 2013.

External links edit

 
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  • Silver Oak Cellars

38°26′26″N 122°22′52″W / 38.44056°N 122.38111°W / 38.44056; -122.38111

April 12, 2024
silver, cellars, family, owned, california, winery, dedicated, producing, only, cabernet, sauvignon, silver, established, 1972, duncan, justin, meyer, currently, operated, sons, david, duncan, serves, president, brother, duncan, serves, executive, vice, presid. Silver Oak Cellars is a family owned California winery dedicated to producing only Cabernet Sauvignon Silver Oak was established in 1972 by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer It is currently operated by Ray s sons David Duncan who serves as the President and CEO and his brother Tim Duncan who serves as Executive Vice President Silver Oak has two wineries one in Oakville in the Napa Valley and one in Healdsburg in the Alexander Valley 1 The Duncan Family also established Twomey Cellars in 1999 which has wineries in Calistoga and Healdsburg Silver Oak CellarsLocationOakville CaliforniaHealdsburg California USAAppellationNapa Valley AVAAlexander Valley AVAFounded1972First vintage1972Key peopleFounders Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer David Duncan President and CEO Tim Duncan Executive Vice PresidentNate Weis Director of WinemakingWebsitehttp www silveroak com In 2007 the ColoradoBiz cited Silver Oak as one of a dozen California wineries which have reached cult status for its Cabernet Sauvignon production and occupies an important niche in California s wine industry 2 In 2016 Silver Oak s Oakville winery became the first commercial winery in the world to earn the U S Green Building Council s LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum Certification for efficient energy use their Alexander Valley winery was also granted the certification in the new building category in 2018 Contents 1 History 2 Vineyards 3 Winemaking 4 Reception 5 Technology and sustainability 6 References 7 External linksHistory editSilver Oak was the vision of Justin Meyer Entrepreneur and oil entrepreneur Ray Duncan had purchased Franciscan Vineyards and approached Justin Meyer whom he had met through mutual friends and asked him to plant and manage his vineyards and winery While working at Christian Brothers Justin agreed and started Silver Oak on the side Ray invested in Meyer and Silver Oak was established in 1972 3 Named after its location between Oakville and the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley 2 Justin and Ray s vision for Silver Oak was to devote all their resources to producing a single wine and Justin s favorite focus Cabernet Sauvignon Justin s vision was to perfect and make a wine that was 100 Cabernet no blending 3 nbsp Founders Ray Duncan and Justin MeyerIn 1972 Ray purchased a dairy farm in Oakville in the Napa Valley which is the site where the Silver Oak Napa Valley winery stands today It was on this dairy farm in 1972 where Silver Oak s first vintage was produced using grapes from Silver Oak s Alexander Valley vineyards That same year Ray and Justin began planting Silver Oak s first Napa Valley vineyard Seven years later Silver Oak harvested the grapes for the company s first Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Silver Oak produced 1 600 cases of 1972 North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon Silver Oak s first wine 2 However according to David Duncan quoted in 2007 the company didn t sell wine for the first five years but then sold out for 28 years consecutively and the company has continued to grow 2 In 1981 on the site of the old dairy farm in Oakville Silver Oak broke ground on their Napa Valley winery which was completed in 1982 3 Growth of the company from 1977 onwards enabled Silver Oak to purchase further vineyards in the 1980s and early 1990s becoming one of the most successful Cabernet Sauvignon brands of the 1980s 4 5 In 1994 Justin Meyer brought on Daniel Baron to become his successor Daniel Baron has served as Silver Oak s Director of Winemaking since 2001 6 nbsp Silver Oak Cellars Oakville nbsp Historic tower Oakville After being approached by numerous large scale alcohol industries with offers to buy Silver Oak the partners decided they had different visions for the winery As Justin s son Matthew Meyer was starting a small production winery on the side Meyer Family Cellars in January 2001 co founder Justin Meyer sold his share of the company to Ray Duncan Soon after Justin Meyer died on August 6 2002 and was commemorated in the Culinary Institute of America s Vintner Hall of Fame at Greystone in Saint Helena 7 8 Larry Walker of Wines amp Vines accredited Meyer with making important contributions in uniting growers and winemakers reviving the American Vineyard Foundation where he served as president and catapulting the California wine industry to a leading player on the world stage 8 On New Years Day 2006 the Oakville winery experienced a major flood from the Napa River The following month on February 2 2006 the Oakville winery was devastated by a fire which destroyed the dairy barn the original structure on the property 1 9 The Duncan Family decided to rebuild the Oakville winery from the ground up which was completed in October 2008 1 The rebuild included using some 550 tons of reclaimed stone from a 115 year old dismantled mill in Coffeyville Kansas installing 1 464 solar panels to generate solar power for the facility elevating the property 4 5 feet above the flood plain and moving their iconic water tower 12 feet 1 The Duncan Family also salvaged the two stained glass windows in the original winery that had been created by local artist Diane Peterson in the theme of the Napa Valley Peterson was asked during the rebuilding to create two further stained glass windows four windows in total which represent the four seasons 1 In the tasting room is a glass house library built from white oak which had previously been a barn in Missouri displaying Silver Oak wines dating back to the 1970s 1 Upon appointment visitors can be taken on a Silver Tour and Taste or a Silver Tour and Food Pairing featuring foods prepared by winery Chef Dominic Orsini 10 In August 2012 Silver Oak announced the acquisition of Sausal Vineyard and Winery in the Alexander Valley known for its zinfandel based wines 11 and variety of soils which had not been previously available to Silver Oak 12 The aim of the purchase was to use the land 75 acres planted in vines to expand Silver Oak s Cabernet Sauvignon production 11 In March 2014 Silver Oak Cellars was visited by Hollywood A listers Drew Barrymore Reese Witherspoon and Cameron Diaz 13 In July 2014 a second generation Napa Valley winemaker Nate Weis joined the firm 14 On August 24 Silver Oak was affected by the 2014 South Napa earthquake although 32 500 worth of wine was saved thanks to Duncan s decision to install steadier four barrel racks after the 2006 fire in anticipation of a future earthquake 15 16 In 2017 the Duncan family purchased Napa Valley s Ovid winery with 15 acres of vineyards set in Pritchard Hill 17 They also signed an agreement with the San Francisco Giants becoming their first official wine partner 18 Vineyards edit nbsp Winemaker Daniel Baron walking through the vineyards at Silver Oak s Oakville wineryFruit for Silver Oak s Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from estate owned vineyards in the Napa and Alexander Valleys and from independent partner growers who have a contract with Silver Oak to grow grapes for them 1 The backbone of Silver Oak s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Silver Oak s 113 acre Soda Canyon Ranch Vineyard in the Napa Valley where Silver Oak grows Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc Petit Verdot and Malbec grapes 19 Silver Oak also owns Jump Rock Vineyard an 18 acre vineyard with rusty red rocky soils dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon In St Helena Silver Oak farms the small 8 acre Navone Vineyard Its gravelly loam soils help to produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Syrah 19 In Alexander Valley all of Silver Oak s vineyards are dedicated to growing Cabernet Sauvignon In 1987 Silver Oak purchased an 80 acre vineyard they named Miraval the cornerstone of Silver Oak s Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Miraval Vineyard sits at an elevation of 200 350 feet with clay and sandy loam soils In the southern end of the valley near the course of the Russian River Silver Oak cultivates the 45 acre Red Tail Vineyard which they purchased in 1988 19 It has clay and sandy loam soils at an elevation of 320 340 feet 19 In 2012 Duncan bought the 113 acre former Sausal Winery In 2018 Silver Oak acquired two more vineyards in the area Big River and Crazy Creek 20 Winemaking editSilver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for about 25 months exclusively in American oak barrels 6 21 Silver Oak s Alexander Valley wines are aged in both new and once used American oak barrels and spend an additional 14 months in bottle before release 6 Silver Oak s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in only new American oak barrels and spends about 20 months in bottle after barrel 6 In answer to the question of why Silver Oak insists upon aging their wines in American oak barrels Meyer once said I m happy with a cellar of about 65 degrees Aging is speeded up by heat and slowed down by cold but the only thing I do to modify my cellar is drink it faster To my palate American oak imparts less wood tannin than French oak I like tannic wine about as much as I like tough steak 22 The company formed a partnership with Missouri based barrel producer A amp K Cooperage in 2000 to have a steady supply of American oak barrels made to Silver Oak s specifications 6 In 2015 Silver Oak acquired A amp K becoming the first winery in the United States to own an American cooperage Silver Oak now has full control of its barrel production and have officially called it The Oak Cooperage 20 23 Reception editIn 2007 the Colorado Biz cited Silver Oak as one of a dozen California wineries which have reached cult status for its Cabernet Sauvignon production and occupies an important niche in California s wine industry 2 The popularity of the wines means that their new releases are eagerly awaited cited by The California Directory of Fine Wineries as a ritual for connoisseurs and people often camp out overnight to be at the front of the queues 24 25 In his review of the Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon noted wine critic Robert Parker called Silver Oak winery a superb Cabernet producer 26 Orange Coast Magazine cited Silver Oak s Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as a beautiful complex contemporary wine with more than enough polish to stand up to the classics 27 The Rough Guide to California considers Silver Oak s Cabernet Sauvignon to be the creme de la creme of the heady red 28 Frommer s said that the firm was long known for producing the go to cabernet for label conscious big spenders 29 and Lonely Planet cited the wine as one of those names that you bring to the dinner table to turn heads and added that it was pricey yes but legendary 30 Philip Goldsmith described Silver Oak as a temple for red wine lovers highlighting the powerful velvety taste and unusual aroma resulting from aging in exclusive American oak barrels 31 Peg Melnik and Tim Fish described the wine as an art form which is known to cabernet lovers around the country 32 In 2012 Wine amp Spirits Magazine selected Silver Oak s 2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet as one of Year s Best Cabernet Sauvignon which was acclaimed by critics 33 In 2016 Oprah Winfrey cited 2012 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon on her annual Favorite Things list 34 Technology and sustainability edit nbsp Interior of the winery at OakvilleSilver Oak has considered sustainable methods important since its inception The Duncan Family states that the company s livelihood and future livelihood depend upon the ecological viability of the land and contribute to a better quality grape and wine The new winery in Oakville built using reclaimed materials features 1464 solar panels which provide far more energy than the winery needs and results in 292 000 kilowatt hours sent back to the municipal power grid 1 35 The building itself was designed to increase energy efficiency and features a fermentation room with a natural air conditioning system This system expels hot air allowing cool night air to enter while the room s large windows and thick walls regulate temperature 35 The Napa Winery is Green Business certified under the Napa Green Winery Program administered by the Napa County Department of Environmental Management DEM and the Association of Bay Area Government s ABAG Green Business Program meeting the requirements of environmentally sustainable farming such a soil water and energy conservation 35 In the vineyard Silver Oak practices Integrated Pest Management to regulate harmful pests and have installed nesting boxes in their vineyards for bluebirds and owls to help control pests 35 Between vine rows Silver Oak grows cover crops to aid in the growth of organic matter reduce weed growth help retain soil nutrients and improve soil structure Their irrigation system in the vineyards is regulated with soil moisture and plant stress monitors to conserve water application 35 Silver Oak s Soda Canyon Ranch Miraval Calistoga and Geysersville vineyards have been awarded the Fish Friendly Farming Certification which is awarded to agricultural properties which help restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve the quality of water 35 In 2016 Silver Oak s Oakville winery became the world s first production winery to be granted LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum Certification under the Existing Buildings Operation and Maintenance EB OM rating system the highest level of certification granted by the U S Green Building Council USGBC for efficient energy use Its membrane bioreactor treats an average of 4700 gallons a day during the winemaking process and allows for the water to be reused for cleaning tanks and flushing the toilets The winery employs a CO2 heat pump for sanitizing water and over 2500 solar panels for energy storing it in batteries 36 In 2018 the Alexander Valley winery achieved LEED Platinum certification for its new Alexander Valley facility the first in the world to attain it in the category of new construction 37 According to Bloomberg the facility uses zero toxic materials solar panels pure filtered air salvaged redwood siding from old 1930s wine tanks and is wrapped in a sleekly modern barn style building 38 In 2009 Silver Oak s Associate Winemaker Christiane Schleussner working with Carlos Macku Lesa Gonzalez Ana Cristina Mesquita and Leonard C Kirch at Cork Supply USA and Cork Supply Portugal pioneered the commercial sensory evaluation method known as dry cork sensory screening for detecting the chemical compound TCA 2 4 6 trichloroanisol which is responsible for cork taint 39 References edit a b c d e f g h Oakville s Silver Oak Cellars makes historic improvement St Helena Star 16 October 2008 Retrieved 2 March 2013 a b c d e The cult of Cabernet Silver Oak Cellars soars with single minded niche Silver Oak Wine Cellars Company overview ColoradoBiz 1 September 2007 Archived from the original on 11 June 2014 Retrieved 2 March 2013 a b c Our Story Silver Oak Cellars Retrieved 3 March 2013 Dorling Kindersley Gordon Jim 1 October 2010 The Wine Opus Dorling Kindersley Limited p 37 ISBN 978 1 4053 5267 3 Retrieved 3 March 2013 Quarterly Review of Wines Richard L Elia 2005 p 54 Retrieved 3 March 2013 a b c d e Jennings Richard 6 June 2012 Silver Oak Reappraising a California Cabernet Icon Huffington Post Retrieved 3 March 2013 Justin Meyer Sells Share Of Silver Oak Wine Cellars Wines amp Vines 1 February 2001 Archived from the original on 11 June 2014 Retrieved 3 March 2013 a b Justin Meyer s legacy to California wine Wines amp Vines 1 November 2002 Archived from the original on 11 June 2014 Retrieved 3 March 2013 Practical Winery vineyard D Neel 2009 p 7 Retrieved 3 March 2013 Silver Oak Cellars Unveils New Winery and Tasting Room in Oakville Food Weekly News 23 October 2008 Archived from the original on 11 April 2013 Retrieved 3 March 2013 a b Weed Augustus August 17 2012 Silver Oak Cellars Buys Zinfandel Specialist Sausal Winery winespectator com Wine Spectator Silver Oak Family Acquires Sausal Family Vineyard and Winery Food amp Beverage Close Up August 20 2012 Archived from the original on March 28 2015 The Heart of the Valley David Duncan Hauteliving com 22 May 2014 Retrieved 5 November 2014 New winemakers for Silver Oak and Twomey Thedrinksbusiness com 23 June 2014 Retrieved 5 November 2014 A Quake Reminds Napa Winemakers of California s Faults Bloomberg 28 August 2014 Archived from the original on August 31 2014 Retrieved 5 November 2014 In quake barrels became quarter ton projectiles USA Today 30 August 2014 Retrieved 5 November 2014 California s Silver Oak Purchases Napa Cult Winery Ovid Wine Spectator 21 April 2017 Retrieved 9 November 2018 Silver Oak Signs To Become Official Wine Partner Of San Francisco Giants Forbes 9 April 2017 Retrieved 9 November 2018 a b c d Vineyards Silver Oak Retrieved 3 March 2013 a b Silver Oak is building the state s most eco friendly winery San Francisco Chronicle 18 January 2018 Retrieved 9 November 2018 Silver Oak Cellars Napa Valley Vintners Retrieved 3 March 2013 Drinking in the sights wines at Yosemite Daily Herald 13 January 1999 dead link The Oak Cooperage Silveroak com Archived from the original on 16 November 2018 Retrieved 9 November 2018 Blue Anthony Dias 17 October 2006 Anthony Dias Blue s Pocket Guide to Wine 2007 Simon and Schuster p 93 ISBN 978 0 7432 9838 4 Retrieved 3 March 2013 Olmstead Marty Holmes Robert Silberkleit Tom 30 April 2003 The California Directory of Fine Wineries Wine House Press p 55 ISBN 978 0 9724993 1 6 Retrieved 3 March 2013 Parker Jr Robert M 27 October 1995 Recommended New Releases America The Wine Advocate 101 This superb Cabernet producer has finally released its splendid 1991s Orange Coast Magazine Emmis Communications September 1998 p 49 ISSN 0279 0483 Retrieved 3 March 2013 Dickey J D Rough Guide Edwards Nick 2 May 2011 The Rough Guide to California Rough Guides Limited p 613 ISBN 978 1 84836 862 0 Retrieved 3 March 2013 Poole Matthew 18 July 2012 Frommer s San Francisco 2013 John Wiley amp Sons p 402 ISBN 978 1 118 33170 5 Retrieved 3 March 2013 Bing Alison Channell Dominique 1 February 2008 San Francisco Con Pianta Ediz Inglese Lonely Planet p 313 ISBN 978 1 74104 676 2 Retrieved 3 March 2013 Goldsmith Philip 28 November 2007 Moon Northern California Wine Country Avalon Travel p 250 ISBN 978 1 59880 078 4 Retrieved 3 March 2013 Melnik Peg Fish Tim 2 May 2011 Explorer s Guide Napa amp Sonoma A Great Destination Ninth Edition Explorer s Great Destinations The Countryman Press p 87 ISBN 978 1 58157 896 6 Retrieved 3 March 2013 Wine Review Silver Oak Cellars Archived from the original on 29 January 2013 Retrieved 3 March 2013 Good Libations Customizable Pre Etched Limited Edition Holiday Bottles of 2012 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Oprah com Retrieved 9 November 2018 a b c d e f Sustainability Silver Oak Cellars Archived from the original on 3 February 2013 Retrieved 3 March 2013 Silver Oak Earns First LEED Platinum Certification for Eco Friendly Winery Wine Spectator 1 August 2016 Retrieved 9 November 2018 Silver Oak Builds First New Winery to Earn LEED Platinum Sustainability Certification Wine Spectator 17 July 2018 Retrieved 9 November 2018 Tasting Rooms for the Millennial Era Sprout in Napa and Sonoma Bloomberg 27 August 2018 Retrieved 9 November 2018 Silver Oak Cellars and Cork Supply USA Pioneer Use of Technique to Detect TCA in Large Format Corks Agriculture Week 1 April 2010 Archived from the original on 11 June 2014 Retrieved 3 March 2013 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Silver Oak Cellars Silver Oak Cellars38 26 26 N 122 22 52 W 38 44056 N 122 38111 W 38 44056 122 38111 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Silver Oak Cellars amp oldid 1185094708, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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