Wine Advisor
Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (500 cases) has more in common with the 1995 and 1992 than the 1996 or 1994. The opaque purple/black color is followed by intense, soaring aromas of creme de cassis, in addition to blueberry and blackberry fruit. The wine's extraordinary purity, great depth, and fabulously seamless, full-bodied, multi-layered texture are something to behold, particularly in a wine so young. However, everything is in balance. This is another work of art from an extraordinary terroir. The wine should be uncommonly approachable at release given its voluptuous texture, but it possesses the richness and overall equilibrium to age well for 20-25 years. As I have tried so hard to articulate in past reviews, what makes these wines so stunning is the black currant/cassis fruit. Screaming Eagle may be the most extravagantly pure and rich expression of cassis one can find ... short of drinking cassis liqueur. There is an unbelievable purity to these wines, as well as phenomenal concentration and richness, yet in no sense are they heavy, ponderous, or out of balance. Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
It doesn't get any better than 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon, a perfect wine. Representing the essence of cassis liqueur intermixed with blackberries, minerals, licorice, and toast, this full-bodied, multi-dimensional classic is fabulous, with extraordinary purity, symmetry, and a finish that lasts for nearly a minute. It has the overall equilibrium to evolve for nearly two decades, but it will be hard to resist upon release. Anticipated maturity: now-2020. Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Medium ruby. Complex, individual nose combines black raspberry, cassis, blood orange, cocoa powder, bitter chocolate, smoke and earth. Intensely flavored, fresh and sharply delineated, with notes of cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate and meat, and strong oakiness. Leaner than the '96 at a similar stage, but grew a bit denser and sweeter with aeration. Finishes rather oaky, with firm tannins and very good length. Conveys a strong impression of terroir, but I don't yet find the texture or depth of the best vintages of Screaming Eagle.
About the Producer
Screaming Eagle Winery makes wine in a tiny stone winery. The winery is located on a stone hill overlooking the valley. Since Phillips first sold wine in 1992, the wines produced by Screaming Eagle Winery have been called the representative of limited production, high quality and super expensive California wine. Phillips adheres to the "less is more" philosophy of winemaking. She is a perfectionist, and also brings this "pursuit of perfection" spirit to wine making, using the "garage wine" method. When the grapes are ripe, she carefully selects the most ripe and flawless grapes to make top-quality wines. The wine produced by Screaming Eagle Winery is indeed worthy of the title of "garage wine". The wine is deep maroon color, exudes strong fruity and explosive aromas of berries, coffee, fur, wild mushrooms and flowers. It needs to be aged for 15 years. Only started drinking in 20 years. Screaming Eagle Winery does not accept orders from customers, and can only make reservations through the Internet. After making reservations, they often have to wait in line for several years before they can get their desired wines. Screaming Eagle Winery is the most expensive wine in Napa Valley. Ms Phillips summed up her excellence beautifully: "I just follow my heart and I always feel like I'm doing what I really love. If I do it, great; if No, at least I'm enjoying my life. That's the philosophy I've always embraced."
1992(1)1996(1)
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