Professor Bainbridge...on law, politics, religion, culture & food

Silver Oak as Phoenix

From the Wine Spectator:

California Cabernet producer Silver Oak has risen from the ashes (and high waters) to open a new winery and tasting room in Oakville. A devastating fire in February 2006 destroyed a 7,000-square-foot historic building which had been the winery’s original home, along with about $3 million worth of wine. Earlier that same year, the facility was one of several Napa and Sonoma wineries hit by a flood. Founded in 1972 by Ray Duncan and the late Justin Meyers, the popular Silver Oak makes just two wines, both Cabernet Sauvignons: a Napa Valley bottling, and one from Alexander Valley. President David Duncan said that losing memorabilia to the fire, including old photos and the original Silver Oak sign, was a “poignant reminder of how important the past is.” The new facility honors the winery’s history with a “history gallery” and a time capsule, which will be sealed after a release party next February.

I’m a long time fan of Silver Oak. My cellar currently includes vintages of Silver Oak from as far back as 1990 and as recent as 2002. Even so, I can’t help but argue that recebnt vintages have not been up to snuff. Silver Oak ought to be an A-/A wine in most vintages, but too many recent vintages have been B/B+. They don’t just need a new physical plant, they need a renewed commitment to quality.