Perry’s Shines with Silver Oak Wine Dinner

It didn’t take much for me to agree when we were invited to the recent Silver Oak wine dinner at Perry’s Steakhouse. Silver Oak is one of my favorite California cabs although I think it’s gotten some unfair press recently by being linked to overrated and overpriced products like Opus 1

Silver Oak has been in operation for almost 40 years and their story is most interesting. Entrepreneur Ray Duncan had an opportunity to buy some prime grape growing land in Napa valley but was told by his bank that he needed a partner with genuine wine making experience. Enter Justin Meyer who at the time was making wine for Christian Brothers. Meyer, was the heir apparent at Christian brothers but had left the catholic priesthood while attending UC Davis (of course) and meeting his wife to be. He agreed to partner with Duncan only if their shared vision of raising the standards of California wines could come to fruition.

They decided to focus almost exclusively on Cabernet Sauvignon and make the very best they could. Years later, it is hard to argue against the Alexander Valley Silver Oak (my favorite). It’s a big, beautiful wine with a lovely, long finish and is one of California’s great cabs. Meyer also pioneered the use of American oak barrels because he found that they contributed less harsh tannins than French oak.

The pairing of Silver Oak’s various products including a Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Noir produced under the Twomey label went beautifully with the chef’s special fare at Perry’s. The salmon was absolutely delicious: cooked perfectly and tastefully presented.

The rabbit dish that followed was exemplary and paired with a lovely Pinot. Then came the Pork Belly (cooked to perfection) and accompanied by the 2005 Alexander Valley Silver Oak cab. Then we feasted on a New York Strip along with the 2005 Sonoma valley Silver Oak.

The only digression was the cheese plate (very nicely done) paired with a Hungarian Tokaji. This was the final touch to a truly engaging meal. My next goal is an immediate pilgrimage to Silver Oak to meet Regional Sales manager Brooke Micheals (our lovely and engaging host for the evening) and to taste to my hearts content. Hats off to Perry’s as well on a very well executed dinner.