Silver Oak, How does it age

I have some early 90's Silver Oak cabernets and wonder how well, or how poorly they age. I have 90 and 91 from both Napa and Alexander valleys. 91 was IMO the best vintage of that decade and I am thinking of opening one. .Aany help is appreciated. These wines have been kept in a my Vinotheque wine cabinet at 55 degrees so the storage is not an issue.

Both those wines are going to drink as well as they ever will. The Napa ages better than the Alexander Valley and will hold together longer also.

Thanks a lot Lou! Wish we saw more of you over here. Might need to email you sometime.

I think Lou is being a little kind, Bob. I quit buying Silver Joke in 1991. I always preferred the Napa over the Alex. I find the wines need drinking by 10 years of age -- they quickly slide to oblivion after that.

Of course there are exceptions to every rule. I drank a '78 Alex in '96 as part of a getting out of the Army celebration. It was delightful. I'd pull a cork soon -- let us know what you find.

Thanks Randy. As soon as I can get this new certamic grill fired up and put some beef on, I will do just that. I am keeping my fingers crossed though.

Maybe I don't get Silver Oak but I've always been underwhelmed by their wines that have been aged a long time. If you like the style I think you're better off drinking these on the youngish side.

Tom T.

Bob,
I am going to have to come down on the side with Lou Kessler. Silver Oak is not my cabernet of choice but they age quite well and I have had both of these wines in the last couple of years. I think they are actually better with a good dose of bottle age than younger, the oak seems to integrate. My problem is that I no longer buy any wine with "oak" on the label.
Walt

Thanks Walt. I bought several of the 90 and 91's from both Napa and Alex, and had one each about 5 years ago. I was not impressed then, ergo the extrra aging. I need though, to find a decent reason to open one again even if it is just my wifes pot roast. come to think of it that might be an excellent reason to open one.