Silverado Solo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a refined expression of the renowned Stags Leap District. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in new French oak, it reveals layered aromas of black cherry, blueberry and crushed stone with hints of graphite and vanilla. The palate is full-bodied yet silky, supported by polished tannins and mineral depth. Elegant, structured and persistent, this Napa Cabernet will evolve beautifully over the next two decades.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Oct 17, 2024
Drink: 2026-2045

Sourced entirely from the Stags Leap District vineyard surrounding the winery, Silverado's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Solo is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (See selection) aged in 100% new French oak. Scents of crushed stone, pencil shavings and ripe black cherries mark the nose, while the full-bodied palate is silky. This wine shows classic Stags Leap depth and structure allied to intensity and persistence on the finish. It should drink well for up to two decades.

The most recent addition to Bill Foley's wine portfolio, Silverado Vineyards was purchased from the Disney family heirs in June 2022. It's a superbly situated property in Stags Leap District, but it also has estate vineyards in Yountville, Coombsville and off Soda Canyon Road, totaling approximately 320 acres. Current winemaker Alison Rodriguez is also a recent arrival. Following several years in wine sales across Europe, the Baton Rouge native attended Geisenheim to study winemaking, then worked at Sterling, Beringer and The Hess Collection before landing at Silverado on the first day of the 2022 crush.

"The personal journey in 2022 was, 'Where do I find freshness in this vintage?'" said Rodriguez. "The challenge was maintaining freshness across the palate and through the finish," she said. Like several winemakers I spoke with on this trip to Napa, she tried back-blending some 2023, but in her case, she said she didn't feel it worked. "There's no getting around it, there was just more to work with than in '22."

To illustrate, she poured a barrel sample of the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Limited, a six-barrel, 60–40 blend of Coombsville and Stags Leap fruit that probably won't be released until 2026. Intensely concentrated and tannic, it's impressive, with probably close to three decades of aging potential.

James Suckling | JS 94
Published: Sep 19, 2024

A substantial, layered and structured wine in the classic mode for Napa Valley. Firm but polished tannins support deep, well-concentrated flavors of blueberries, black cherry syrup, cocoa, espresso and vanilla bean. It offers power with grace and age-ability. Drinkable now, but best from 2029.

Decanter | D 94
Published: Dec 20, 2024
Drink: 2025-2035

The 'Solo' bottling hails from the winery's estate Silverado Vineyard in the Stags Leap District. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in 100% new French oak, this wine showcases the See Clone of Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Alison Rodriguez highlights the exceptional fruit purity, which takes centre stage in this medium- to full-bodied wine. Bursting with pure red-toned and black-toned fruits, it offers a wonderfully satiny palate with a plump, generous character that makes this vintage remarkably approachable in its youth. Despite its accessibility, the wine is intricately layered with firm, mineral-laced fine-grained tannins, elegant pipe tobacco notes, black pepper, and dried violets. The dry, satisfying finish underscores its balance and sophistication.

Silveradovineyards.com

Aromas of crushed wild blueberries and vanilla, boysenberry, and herbal nuances of tobacco and bay leaf. Full-bodied with a focused core of fresh berries and tart cherries intertwined with rich dark cherry liquor flavors. Finely textured powdery tannins and the signature Stags Leap District graphite and mineral notes are well-knit with the fruit and lightly toasted oak, with hints of black pepper and cedar on the finish.