Silverado SOLO 2013 | Silverado Vineyards
In 1976, a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District stunned the world by outclassing its French counterparts in the now infamous Judgement of Paris blind tasting. Since California had not been deemed capable of producing world-class wines by established old-world wine regions before, the results sent shockwaves throughout the wine world, forever cementing Napa’s reputation as a world-class wine producing region and catapulting it onto the world stage.
That very same year, Ron and Diane Miller acquired the Stags Leap Vineyard that would become home to Silverado Vineyards. In 1968, it has become the third vineyard to be planted to Cabernet Sauvignon within this now highly sought-after AVA, and also included plantings of Riesling and Pinot Noir at the time of the Millers’ prescient acquisition. But they immediately recognized the sites potential for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, quickly replacing those under-performing varieties with the the traditional Bordeaux ones that thrive there today.
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The Silverado SOLO is produced solely from Cabernet Sauvignon from the original Stags Leap Vineyard that surrounds the winery. It represents the highest expression of Cabernet Sauvignon crafted at Silverado Vineyards. It was conceived to commemorate the winery’s 25th anniversary of producing wine from this special vineyard, a collaborative suggestion from Winemaker, Jon Emmerich and General Manager, Russ Weis.
Appearance: Deep crimson red.
Nose: Fragrant aromas of crème de cassis and black raspberry are laced with spring flowers, coffee, dusty cocoa and a kiss of sweet oak.
On the palate: The Silverado SOLO Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied effort revealing a tightly wound, juicy core of intense crème de cassis, black raspberry and kirsch liqueur flavors framed by firm, dusty tannins. Despite its depth and power, it possesses exquisite balance with lively acidity providing fine freshness. Nuances of smoke, graphite, underbrush, dusty cocoa, loam and lingering spices contribute to the overall interest of this multidimensional and harmonious effort. There’s plenty of potential here, and personally I wouldn’t touch this for another ten years.
Vintage: 2013
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Origin: Stags Leap District AVA, Napa Valley, CA
Value Rating: 3 / 5
Price: $125 (Click here to purchase)
Score: 94
Should you buy? Amongst the sea of overripe and lavishly oaked Napa Cabernets the Silverado SOLO 2013 stands out for how it deftly marries power and depth with elegance and refreshing restraint. This gorgeous expression of Stags Leap District terroir will develop in the serious Cabernet drinkers cellar for many years to come.
Silverado SOLO 2013 Review | Silverado Vineyards
While Silverado Vineyards’ has expanded their estate holdings to include six distinct vineyards encompassing an impressive 352 prime acres, the Silverado SOLO Cabernet remains the hallmark of their original 94 acre Silverado Vineyard, a pure expression of 100% Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon produced from the vineyards surrounding their winery off of Silverado Trail.
While the Miller family who owns Silverado Vineyards initially sold the grapes they grew to nearby wineries, the accolades these wines were garnering did not go unnoticed and inspired them to begin producing their own wines with the goal of making the best wines possible at a fair price.
In 2006, Silverado released SOLO, with Steve Heimoff of Wine Enthusiast describing the inaugural vintage as “a perfect expression of Stags Leap”. The accolades haven’t stopped there, and if the 2013 vintage of the Silverado SOLO is any indication, there are many more in store.
**Media sample submitted for purposed of review. No other consideration was received for publishing this article.
