Silver Oak Cellars : Napa Valley "Cabernet Sauvignon" 2020

This offers an up-front core of red and black cherry compote notes laced with warm earth, chestnut and tobacco leaf. Shows a touch of cedary grain on the finish. Drink now through 2030.

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is dark and rich but also notably savory. Turned earth, grilled herbs, game, leather and mocha saturate the palate. That said, I find a slight grittiness and an ashy feel to the tannin that might point to some challenges with smoke. It’s a well-made, well-executed wine, all things considered.