2021 Silver Oak Napa Valley Release Day

Recently, we had the pleasure of attending Silver Oak’s 2021 Napa Valley Release Day, a highly anticipated celebration marking the debut of its newest Napa Valley vintage. This beloved tradition takes place on the first Saturday in February for the Napa Valley release and the first Saturday in August for the Alexander Valley vintage.

Silver Oak began this tradition in the 1980s, and it has since become a sold-out signature event for loyal patrons. The day features an unforgettable lineup of renowned local chefs, live music, photo booths, and, of course, the opportunity to enjoy the newest Silver Oak vintage in the stunning setting of their iconic winery.

The 2021 Silver Oak Napa Valley is composed of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Aged for 24 months in 50% new American oak barrels, this full-bodied yet elegant wine delivered layers of depth and balance—bringing, as many attendees described, “smiles of joy” throughout the event.

This year’s culinary program was equally impressive, featuring three exceptional chefs whose résumés are far too extensive to fully capture here. Silver Oak Executive Chef Preeti Mistry, Chef Kim Alter of Nightbird in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley, and Chef Dominica Rice-Cisneros of Bombera in Oakland showcased their talents by creating inspired dishes that paired flawlessly with this world-class wine.

In every sense, it was a day of great wine, extraordinary food, and shared celebration. We already look forward to attending future release events—because, as Silver Oak so perfectly puts it, “Life is a Cabernet.”

For more information or to plan a visit to the winery, http://www.silveroak.com

 

Beaulieu Vineyard: “Quel Beau Lieu!”

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Beaulieu Vineyard, ideally situated in the heart of the Rutherford AVA in Napa Valley. Founded in 1900 by Georges and Fernande de Latour, the winery’s name was inspired by Fernande’s first glimpse of the property—“Quel beau lieu!”—French for “What a beautiful place.” The name has proven timeless.

From the beginning, the de Latours were visionaries. They imported phylloxera-resistant vine rootstocks, helping to establish healthier, more resilient vineyards in Napa Valley. During Prohibition, Beaulieu Vineyard was one of the few wineries permitted to continue operating, producing sacramental wine while many others were forced to close.

A defining moment came in 1938 with the arrival of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff. His pioneering work—introducing small French oak barrels, malolactic fermentation, and cold fermentation—not only elevated Beaulieu Vineyard but also transformed the trajectory of California winemaking as a whole.

Today, Beaulieu Vineyard produces several tiers of wine, with its crown jewel remaining the iconic Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a benchmark for Napa Valley Cabernet.

In 2016, Beaulieu Vineyard was acquired by Treasury Wine Estates. Most recently, in March 2025, Nate Weis—formerly the renowned winemaker at Silver Oak—was appointed Senior Winemaker and General Manager. Under his leadership, Beaulieu Vineyard is undergoing a significant modernization and renovation, while remaining open to visitors throughout the process.

Our tasting experience was expertly guided by Jamie, an energetic and knowledgeable host. We enjoyed the Cabernet Clone Expression Tasting, which included:

• 2021 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2022 Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2022 Clone 169 Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2022 Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2021 Cabernet Franc

Each wine was exceptional, showcasing nuance, balance, and the distinctive character of Rutherford terroir.

The undeniable highlight was the 2022 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which fully lived up to its legendary reputation for depth, elegance, and excellence.

Beaulieu Vineyard is truly a “must-do” Napa Valley experience. We look forward to returning once the renovations are completed in July 2026.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit: www.bvwines.com