SILVER OAK 1995 ALEX

[Jerry D Mead]

Tasted a preview of the 95 Silver Oak (Release date Aug. 1) alongside the 1994...The 1995 is a ten point better wine...richer, riper and a velvety mouthfeel. The 1994 is a bit clumsy at the moment, with some astringency and a slightly bitter edge to the finish. I have never been Silver Oak's biggest fan, but the 1995 knocks me out...it is going up to $50...still miles below wines of equal popularity and demand. Napa may go up to $75...though it is not set in concrete.

JDM