Winery:  "The 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex and refined wine that develops beautifully in the glass to reveal multi-layered nuances of aromas. It has a dark ruby color and an enticing nose of cassis, black truffles and violets. On the palate, the wine has an elegant attack and bursts with flavors of fresh forest fruit, potpourri and Asian spices. It has a long finish with smooth well-integrated tannins. With proper cellaring it should give drinking pleasure through 2026.

Our 2006 Napa Valley, a blend of wine from vineyards throughout the appellation, is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. We blended the vineyard lots in early 2007 and transferred the wine to 100% new American oak barrels for aging. Blending prior to barreling allows us to achieve a balance of the wine’s primary elements, such as fruit and tannin, before they are influenced by oak. The wine was then aged in barrel for approximately 25 months and another 20 months in bottle to harmonize its components before release."

Wired For Wine:  What would the holidays be without Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon??  We can't imagine.  This iconic red is easily able to handle heartier red meats, steaks and game.  We love it with a big, fat Porterhouse, grilled to perfection.  Pour on a generous spoonful of Bearnaise sauce made with lots of pepper.   The butter of the Bearnaise will be a great balance for this rich Cabernet, and the pepper will marry with its tannins like a pro.  Saute some dark mushrooms and toss them with wild rice as an accompaniment.  They will pick up on the hit of black truffles in the wine.  Another delicious option is a Spanish lamb ragout with roasted sweet peppers.  The dark red fruit of the wine pairs beautifully with the luxurious sweetness of the tomato in the ragout.  While you're thinking about what's on the menu, put out a small bowl of toasted pistachios to go with your first glass or two.  They will pick up on the gentle earthiness in this Napa Valley Cabernet.  You might also think about having them as a crust on a piece of tuna if you decide to go to the lighter side of meats.  When you've finished with the meal, pour another glass and have a piece of Bra Tenero with it.  It is a cow's milk cheese from the Piedmont region of Italy which is semi-firm, with a dense, slightly sharp flavor perfect for a hearty red such as this Silver Oak.  If your sweet tooth is calling you, luxuriate in the elegant, long finish of this Cabernet with a generous spoonful of bittersweet chocolate gelato sandwiched between two espresso meringues.  Forget the sugarplums winelovers. This is what you should be dreaming of...

Size:  750 ml, cork
Varietal:  81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot
Vintage:  2005
Alcohol:  14.1%
Ageing:  25 months in barrels and another 20  months in bottle to harmonize its components
Region:  Napa Valley, California