Tom Casagrande

9.0

This is nicely done. A bit on the “in your face” side, it’s got loads of rich, plummy Merlot fruit, a fair whack of French oak, and loamy earth notes. Rich, darkly fruity, a bit chocolatey in the mouth. Still a fair amount of soft, side-of-the-mouth-clingy tannin left. More youthful than its 12-year age. 15% alcohol. I prefer a slightly more reserved style, but this is impressive in its own way. — a month ago

Alessandro Dalle Carbonare

9.5

This is always a beautiful. At this stage it’s quite complex to understand. But it’s clear that with the time it’ll turn onto a special wine. — 3 months ago

Patti Gamboni

9.1

Reminded me of boozy Brunello. Garrigue, cedar, dried black cherry and dried fig, cocoa, dried herbs… — 3 months ago

Mary H

9.7

Y’quem two days in a row? Pinch me! Turpentine/French basement comes across the nose. A flavor punch to the palate, a mouthful of fruit and a looong finish - stewed apricot, peaches, apple. A hint of woodsiness (cypress?) and a sweet creaminess like crème caramel. Amazing wine that frankly overshadowed the apple tart tatin dessert pairing. — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour or so. No formal notes due to the setting. The 2009 seems to break from the reputation of the vintage with a freshness and verve that surprises. The typical quality of Cristal is there with its persistent mousse and attractive texture. Good acid too. Pretty tasty stuff and I’m not sure I would ever turn down a glass of this. Drink now through 2039. — 9 days ago

Alessandro Dalle Carbonare

10

The herbal and minty freshness in the super intense and long lasting aftertaste gave me real goosebumps. Beautiful! — 3 months ago

Victor Charcan

9.3

Tipicity! You know it’s Bordeaux, and great, the moment you smell it. Yet this dark fruit, pencil lead one took me to the wrong bank. It felt fresh, and less dark. Blackberries and plums, for sure. A great wine. So young… — 3 months ago

Abby Nutter

9.5

i love love love this one. refreshing and so drinkable, i’m not a typical white wine girlie so if i see this in the store, im picking it up. — 2 months ago

Roberto Carli

9.4

Great classic! Violet, flower buds, crunchy pomegranate, a touch of forest floor and pleasant faint VA. Most important, the tannins are framing the palate that’s both happy and austere instead of punching me in the face. Great value — 2 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

8.9

It has been 15 years or so since I’ve had a Silver Oak. Thought I check in. Nothing has changed, every vintage basically tastes the same. It almost like they add flavoring. 🤷‍♂️ One red you could not fool me blind. Short Rib was excellent.

At Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2025.

The ticket to this event has a pretty big price tag. But when you consider what a Napa etc. tasting or two and lunch would cost you, you are pretty much there and there is so much more than that. It ends up having great value. It’s wine, spirits and food candy land. — 3 months ago