Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 is a Sonoma County red wine composed of 97.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, bottled at 13.8% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 91 points by Decanter Magazine and averaging 90.6 points across 134 CellarTracker community reviews, this vintage represents a mature, fully developed expression from one of California's most recognized Cabernet producers.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.8%  |  Origin: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California  |  Vintage: 2014  |  Winery: Silver Oak Cellars

Production & Heritage

Silver Oak Cellars has built its reputation around a singular commitment: producing Cabernet Sauvignon aged exclusively in American oak. What makes this even more unusual is that Silver Oak manufactures its own barrels at a cooperage called The Oak, located in Missouri — a rarity in the wine world. The 2014 vintage was blended in early 2015 and spent 24 months aging in 50% new and 50% once-used American oak barrels before receiving an additional 15 months of bottle aging prior to release. This early blending philosophy is deliberate, designed to achieve seamless harmony among the components during barrel maturation. The final blend includes small portions of Merlot (1.3%), Petit Verdot (0.5%), Malbec (0.3%), and Cabernet Franc (0.2%).

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with chocolate-covered strawberries and vanilla, followed by warm layers of nutmeg and truffle. Deeper investigation reveals floral notes, sage, and fresh mint, creating a complex and expansive bouquet.

Taste: The palate entry is broad yet delicate, leading with cranberry and red plum before transitioning to raspberry and pluot at the mid-palate. Savory black olive characters emerge alongside dark earth and tobacco undertones, giving the wine considerable depth. Fine, dusty tannins provide velvety structure throughout.

Finish: The finish is long and layered, carried by silky tannins, cedar, and bramble flavors. There is excellent persistence and return, with lingering savory and spice notes that reward patience.

How to Drink Silver Oak 2014

Decant this wine for at least 30 to 60 minutes and serve at 60–65°F to allow the full aromatic profile to emerge. It is best appreciated on its own or alongside food — the layered savory character and refined tannins make it a natural companion for the table rather than for wine-based cocktails. Pair it with grilled ribeye steak, where the wine's cedar and bramble notes mirror charred edges. Braised lamb shanks with rosemary match the herbal sage and mint aromatics. A charcuterie board featuring aged Gouda and cured meats brings out the vanilla and truffle qualities in the glass.

Best For

• Gifting a California Cabernet enthusiast on a milestone birthday or anniversary
• Opening at a dinner party featuring red meat or hearty autumn dishes
• Adding a well-aged vintage to a personal cellar collection
• Commemorating events from 2014 with a mature, ready-to-drink Cabernet

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Silver Oak 2014 taste like? Silver Oak Alexander Valley 2014 leads with cranberry, red plum, and raspberry fruit, layered with savory black olive, dark earth, and tobacco. The tannins are silky and fine, with cedar and bramble carrying through a long finish.

How does Silver Oak 2014 compare to Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon? Silver Oak and Caymus are widely regarded as the two iconic household names in California Cabernet Sauvignon. Silver Oak distinguishes itself through exclusive American oak aging using barrels from its own Missouri cooperage, which tends to produce a more structured, savory profile compared to the richer, more fruit-forward style typical of Caymus.

Is Silver Oak 2014 good for drinking now? Yes — the 2014 vintage received 24 months of barrel aging and 15 months of bottle aging before release, and additional cellar time since has allowed the tannins to integrate fully, making it an excellent wine for drinking now through the next several years.

Where is Silver Oak 2014 made? Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 is produced by Silver Oak Cellars in the Alexander Valley appellation of Sonoma County, California, with barrels sourced from the winery's own cooperage, The Oak, in Missouri.

What foods pair well with Silver Oak 2014? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's cedar and tannin structure. Braised lamb shanks with herbs echo its sage and mint aromatics. Aged Gouda draws out vanilla notes. Wild mushroom risotto matches the earthy, truffle character. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the chocolate-strawberry nose.

What sizes does Silver Oak 2014 come in? The Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 is available in the standard 750ml bottle, with magnum (1.5L) formats having been produced for select vintages.

Is Silver Oak 2014 worth the price? Silver Oak positions as a premium California Cabernet, and the 2014 vintage — now with significant bottle age — represents a mature, ready-to-enjoy wine that has earned strong critical marks including 91 points from Decanter, placing it firmly in competitive territory for its price tier.

Why Silver Oak 2014?

Silver Oak's decision to make its own American oak barrels at a dedicated Missouri cooperage is virtually unmatched among California wineries, and the 2014 vintage is a clear beneficiary of that hands-on approach. With over three and a half years of combined barrel and bottle aging before release — and additional years of maturity since — this wine has reached a stage where its savory, earthy complexity stands alongside its fruit. The 91-point score from Decanter and strong community consensus on CellarTracker confirm that this is not just a well-known name but a well-made wine. For anyone seeking a fully evolved Alexander Valley Cabernet from a benchmark producer, the 2014 vintage delivers substance behind the reputation.