Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1996
The 1996 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a time capsule from the winery's classic era — vibrant, opaque dark red with almost no signs of aging, and a nose of sarsaparilla, fresh plum, floral notes, vanilla and cedar. This 750mL bottle comes from an era when Silver Oak's Alexander Valley bottlings ran at moderate, classic alcohol levels (mid-13s — confirm the exact figure on the bottle). Dense and flavorful on entry, it has settled into a beautiful balance between youthful fruit and developed character. Order this cellared 1996 Alexander Valley Cabernet online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- Vintage: 1996 — drinking in a balanced youthful/developed window
- ABV: moderate classic-era level (mid-13s typical for Alexander Valley of this era — confirm on bottle)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: dense, flavorful, fine tannin structure; sarsaparilla and plum character
- Aging: ~24 months in a mix of new and one-year-old American oak, plus extended bottle age
- Origin: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
A 1996 at Its Balancing Point
There is a moment in a great Cabernet's life when youthful fruit and developed character hold each other in perfect tension, and the 1996 Alexander Valley is sitting in it. In its youth it showed signs of being a big, bruising wine; three decades on, the tannins have fined down, the fruit core stays strong, and the finish carries apricot and cedar over a fine tannin structure. Like all Silver Oak Alexander Valley bottlings, it was raised with a lighter hand of new oak than the Napa wine — the reason so many tasters have long preferred this cuvée's restraint. Decanting is suggested due to light sediment. Browse more Cabernet Sauvignon and the Silver Oak collection.
Tasting Notes
Nose: sarsaparilla, fresh plum, floral notes, vanilla, cedar. Palate: wonderfully dense and flavorful entry, strong fruit core, fine tannin structure. Finish: apricot and cedar, not terribly long but beautifully balanced. Vibrant, opaque dark red — almost no bricking.
How to Enjoy
Decant gently for sediment and serve at 60–65°F. Pair with herb-crusted lamb, wild mushroom dishes, or aged Gouda — or simply pour a glass and watch a 1990s California classic do its thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the 1996 Alexander Valley drinking now? Beautifully — balanced between youthful and developed aromas, with dense fruit and resolved tannins. Decant and enjoy now.
What food pairs with it? Lamb, mushroom-driven dishes, hard aged cheeses, or anything from a classic steakhouse menu.
Should I decant it? Yes — light sediment is expected at this age; a gentle decant 30 minutes before serving is ideal.
San Diego collectors can order this 1996 Alexander Valley classic online at Del Mesa Liquor.