Few California winemaking families have maintained their outlook and their consistency as has the Duncan family of Silver Oak since 1972, both in their devotion to making both a Napa and an Alexander Valley Cabernet and in remaining true to American oak while others have drifted elsewhere. Without debating the merits and demerits of native oak, it has always worked well with Silver Oak, and you can open a bottle of either of the Cabernets with that anticipation. This wine has very appealing mulled blackberry and cassis flavors – another consistency – light tannins and that lovely oak finish.