Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

I think if you read this nonsense I post, you know how I feel about this producer, past & present. This 07 is outstanding & top of its bell curve. It is so good to revisit these great vintages of Caymus Classic.

This is fresher than the 97. It is rich/lush, cassis to currents, ripe, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, raspberries & strawberries. Dark chocolate, mocha, classic, beautiful, Caymus Classic spice that I miss dearly in their new wines, black licorice, fudge, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg & vanillin, most top soil, limestone, dry herbs, dry tobacco, barrel shavings, taut leather, volcanic grey clay, dark, fresh & slightly withering flowers, violets, beautiful round acidity, balance, structure, nice tension and elegant finish that last minutes and falls on spice and evoluted earth tones.

This bottle is in fine shape. Still strong and will last another 10 years of fine drinking. Phenomenal vintage and time to enjoy. — 7 days ago

James Naphen

9.2

**Wine Review: 2008 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Opened November 2024)**

The 2008 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, opened today, showcases an impressive balance and complexity, affirming its status as a finely aged wine. Its deep ruby hue remains vibrant, with exceptional clarity that invites exploration.

On the nose, ripe aromas of blackberry syrup and dark fruits are prominent, complemented by elegant notes of dried ginger and a subtle floral undertone. These aromas suggest both maturity and freshness, creating a captivating bouquet.

The palate offers a bold, full-bodied experience, featuring flavors of graphite and pencil lead that add intrigue and depth. The oak is beautifully integrated, enhancing the wine's harmony without overshadowing the fruit. The tannins, while still present, are soft and smooth, allowing the wine’s fruity core to take center stage.

Despite its 16 years of aging, this wine retains a youthful vibrancy, with its primary fruit flavors shining through. The finish is balanced and moderate in intensity, leaving a lasting impression of refinement.

Enjoyed today, this wine is a testament to the careful craftsmanship of Silver Oak. While it has clearly benefited from its time in the cellar, it remains dynamic and will continue to develop nuances for years to come. — 7 months ago

with Melissa

Chris McClellan

9.0

Still had life…fruit still present, black fruit, earthy, slight barnyard and funk…higher acidity and losing tannin…tobacco and spice lead the way… — 3 years ago

with Deb

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Chilean Bordeaux Style blend that includes Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (20%) and Carmenere (10%). Light ruby color with a distinctive orange rim. Showing its age a bit but still quite enjoyable. Aromas of dried black cherries/berries along with hints of tobacco and wet soil. Flavors of dark chocolate, prunes, blackberries, coffee, cassis and a bit of black licorice. Nice presence of oak on the medium finish. Medium-plus texture and body. Acidity is quite present which gives this wine a bit of youthful freshness. Very interesting to try and still quite alive. Thanks so much for the bottle, Petey! — 2 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.5

Pretty deep , narrow ruby rim. Quite rich , almost exotic nose , dark cassis , dark plum, rich spiced blackberry, touch of cocoa , vanilla, smoke. On the palate this is quite rich but also very elegant with balanced refreshing acidity . Cassis , mineral , grafite , dark cherry. Ripe but very present tannins . Long and refined finish . After a while becoming more mineral and quite serious . Needs time , better in 5-10 years and last well a further 10-15 . This is a very successful showing and though obviously very young is enjoyable and involving to drink at the moment. — 6 months ago

DAD Wine Lover

9.3

Early Birthday present…… 🍷🍷🍷 — a year ago

with Mic, Daniela and 3 others

Scott Kahn

9.5

Beautiful wine - one that has improved with age! Deep and rich color with a bouquet of cedar in the glass. Dark and plentiful fruit, integrated albeit present tannins, and a long finish. This is best Estournel that I have sampled! — 5 months ago

Ivor

9.1

My go to Bordeaux classic. Small black fruits, tobacco, cigar boxes and the ever present stubborn dusty bitter note. — 5 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.2

Medium ruby , bright with a wide ruby rim . Restrained and focused at first , red cherry , pine , iris and wet slate , with fresh sage and rosemary . On the palate very elegant and again restrained , the spicy red cherry , raspberry , rosemary , sage and thyme notes , with good backbone from fresh acidity , saline hints . Tannins are quite elegant and though present are very fine . Medium , sour cherry stained length. Overall perhaps doesn’t have the complexity or structure of the 2019 but this is a very refined , elegant wine , as one would expect. This is actually enjoyable now due to the sweet fine tannins but will no doubt age well and improve over the next 10-15 years — 9 months ago

Jakub Kalinowski

9.1

You gotta love aged Bordeaux!
Black currant galore with some back currant leaf, a whiff of mint, barely a hint of cigar box. So fresh & enticing.
Poised, so balanced, very, very elegant on the palate.
Mellowed, yet present tannins, so finely polished. Juicy acidity, still some fruit on the mid palate. Nice length, great precision. What a lovely wine! — 2 years ago