Cabernet and Meritages

When we talk about Bonny's Vineyard Cabernet, we are talking old school, real old school. For all those Silver Oak Fans who liked what Justin Myers did with the old Silver Oak Napa Cabernet and the very old Napa Valley Cult Wine, the Silver Oak Napa Bonny's Vineyard Cabernet, this is going to take you back in time. 34 months in Oak and NEW AMERICAN OAK that is, with 24 months of bottle aeging this is reminiscient of an 19th centurey Bordeaux, with no acid or water added but all Natural...... This is a tribute to the old style of Napa winemaking and what Silver Oak Cabernet a wine that no one could really stand up to in the late 80's and early 90's before Spectatorization and Parkerization of Napa where instead of making a perfect wine, every one wants the Parker 100 or Spectator 100 which is mostly awarded to super ripe cult Napa wines. For the super ripe followers present day californian cab seekers, beware this is not your wine. This wine is for collectors and drinkers who miss the Old School Napa Cult wines.



Among the tapestry of historic vineyards in Napa Valley, there are a few standout names, but even fewer sites, if any, involve the rare combination of legendary wine, romance, and a touch of mystery. Bonny’s Vineyard is such a place.



This four-acre vineyard in the Oakville District is both a special piece of land and a unique part of Napa history. It was planted in 1974 by Justin Meyer, the winemaker and co-founder of Silver Oak Cellars, as a gift to his wife, Bonny. Ideally situated in a gravelly spot adjacent to Conn Creek on the valley floor, Bonny’s Vineyard was responsible for a memorable string of Silver Oak vintages over the course of two decades.



This very special Cab features elegant structure, dark intense fruit, and at times controversial notes of bell pepper and eucalyptus.

Intriguing nose of plum, cherry, cranberry and woodsy spice. Appealing black cherry flavors, with a soft lingering finish of dark chocolate, and a hint of toasted nuts. Aged in both American and French oak. Great with steak.

90 Points - Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) "The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (10,582 cases) is an outstanding value in Napa Cabernet. With prices on almost every Napa Cabernet now well in excess of $50.00, a $35.00 wine that merits 90 points is big news. Deep ruby purple in color with loads of licorice, black currant, cedar, and spice, this wine has beautiful texture, medium to full body, and a heady finish. The velvety texture and opulence of the wine speak to drinking it over the next 10-15 years."

95 points Robert Parker: "The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a big wine loaded with black fruit, cedar, licorice, grilled herbs and tar. Layers of flavor build effortlessly to the muscular, virile finish. Despite its size, the 2008 Reserve maintains elements of classicism that serve to balance some of the wine’s more extroverted leanings. The wine impresses for its depth, expressive inner perfume and beautifully integrated tannins. It is a showstopper from Mondavi. The 2008 Reserve is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2028." (12/11) 93 points Wine Spectator: "Rich, supple and graceful, with firm tannins supporting ripe plum, currant, blackberry and spice. Full-bodied, but not heavy or dense. Pleasantly complex and engaging. Drink now through 2022."

winemaker's notes: This is a Cabernet that is so enjoyable now and will just get better with time in the cellar. Aromas of rich, polished black fruit, mocha, and spice, followed by fulsome, juicy flavors of blackberry and black cherry, chocolate, plum and cedar, with ripe, smooth tannins and a pleasingly long finish.

critical acclaim: "The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five should turn out to be just as good. Slightly more powerful with sweeter fruit as well as more glycerin and fat, this is a big, full-bodied Stags Leap Cabernet offering abundant notes of roasted herbs, chocolate, cassis, incense and earth. Drink this deep, powerful 2008 over the next 10-15 years."

92 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Full-bodied and rich, as all Shafer reds are, this wine's blackberry, blueberry, currant and cassis flavors were aged in 100% new French oak, but the smoky wood overlay is seamless. The tannins are big, and the wine has a drink-me-now sweetness, but it really needs time. Give it a good 5-7 years. Cellar Selection"

92 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"This is wonderfully subtle and precise. Full bodied and fruity, with great brightness in the fruit and fresh acidity. The finish is beautiful, I can't wait to see where this ends up. It will be on the market in March 2011. "

92 Points

James Suckling

"Rough-hewn, chunky and extracted, with dried herb, leather, dried berry and sage. Not the typical Shafer polish, but consistent with the One Point Five style. Decant. Drink now through 2018."

90 Points

Wine Spectator