Silverado Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Tasting Notes

From two of Napa Valley's most storied estate sites, the 2023 Silverado Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a textbook expression of classic Napa winemaking — structured, layered, and built to age. The nose opens with vivid aromas of red and black cherry, framed by blue fruits, a whisper of vanilla, hints of cedar and cola. It is immediately inviting, yet clearly serious. On the palate, the wine is decisively full-bodied — the entry round and plush, the mid-palate rich and concentrated with dark plum, mocha and graphite. The Disney-Silverado Heritage Clone, first planted in Stags Leap District in 1968, contributes the appellation's signature precise acidity and fine-grained tannins. Mt. George Vineyard in Coombsville (volcanic soils, 19th-century plantings) adds dark fruit intensity, density and structural depth. Winemaker Alison Rodriguez blends 81% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec — a Napa take on the classic Bordeaux formula — then ages the wine 19 months in 100% French oak (40% new). The 2023 vintage benefited from a record-wet winter that broke years of drought, followed by a cool, late-developing growing season that allowed full flavour development alongside exceptional natural acidity. The finish is firm, balanced and persistent. A wine of real distinction that rewards patience.

Key Selling Points

Founded in 1981 by Ron and Diane Miller (Diane is the daughter of Walt Disney) on the Silverado Trail in Napa's prestigious Stags Leap District. Estate-grown across two historic Napa sites: Silverado Vineyard (home to the Disney-Silverado Heritage Clone of Cabernet Sauvignon, first planted by Harry See in 1968 and later designated by UC Davis) and Mt. George Vineyard in Coombsville (volcanic soils dating back to the 19th century, delivering exceptional dark fruit concentration and structure). Winemaker Alison Rodriguez crafts a classic Bordeaux-style blend — 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec — aged 19 months in 100% French oak (40% new). Part of the prestigious Foley Family Wines portfolio. Previous vintages have earned consistent 90+ point scores.

Accolades

Consistent 90+ point scores across multiple vintages from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and James Suckling.
2022 vintage: recognised by Wine Spectator.
Longstanding critical acclaim for the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon dating back to the winery's founding vintage in 1981.

Winemaking

Estate-grown from two Napa Valley sites. Mt. George Vineyard (Coombsville, 60%): deep volcanic soils, first planted in the 19th century, producing wines of intense dark fruit, density and structural depth. Silverado Vineyard (Stags Leap District, 40%): home to the Disney-Silverado Heritage Clone of Cabernet Sauvignon, first planted by Harry See in 1968 and later designated by UC Davis; the site delivers characteristic Stags Leap precision, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Varietal composition: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec. Average Brix at harvest: 26.0 degrees. Maceration: average 20 days. Barrel ageing: 19 months in 100% French oak, 40% new. Winemaker: Alison Rodriguez. TA: 6.2 g/L. pH: 3.67.

Cuisine Pairing

Grilled dry-aged ribeye with herb butter; rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic jus; braised beef short ribs with red wine reduction; roasted duck breast with cherry sauce; aged hard cheeses such as Pecorino Stagionato or aged Manchego; wild mushroom risotto; hearty pasta with slow-cooked Bolognese.

Cellaring & Serving

Approachable now with 30–60 minutes decanting to allow the wine to open and tannins to soften. Optimal drinking window: 2026–2032. Can cellar through 2035 for those who prefer a more developed, tertiary-driven style. Serve at 17–18°C.

Wine Details