Wine Advisor
Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
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Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon is simply magnificent. Tasted next to the 2002 - or I should say drunk next to the 2002 - the 2001 just has more of everything. Dark, sensual and inviting, the 2001 opens to reveal masses of dark fruit intermingled with, graphite, spice, lavender and licorice. The tannins and structure are there, but they are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. I have long believed Screaming Eagle is the Lafite of Napa Valley. The 2001 is a great example. Two recent bottles have been magnificent. What a wine!
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2001 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the great wines from the Jean Phillips era and one of the all-time greats here, period. Tasted next to the 2002, the 2001 presents a darker fruit profile and greater overall depth. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, graphite, incense and chocolate build up as this rapturous wine gradually opens in the glass. The 2001 Screaming Eagle is a wine I will never forget tasting and drinking. I only hope to have a chance to drink it again!
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (450 cases) is an identical blend to the 1999, 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, crafted from the superb vineyard holdings in Oakville. It boasts an opaque purple color along with gorgeously pure, intense aromas of creme de cassis, subtle smoke, and the ever-present licorice. Opulent, full-bodied, and extraordinarily rich, yet somehow remaining light on its feet, this cuvee always stands out for its glorious purity and fragrance. The 2001 is approachable now, but based on how the 1992 is evolving (still a young wine that has not yet reached its adolescence), this wine should develop over 15-20 years. As I indicated last year, Screaming Eagle’s meticulous proprietor, Jean Phillips, decided the 2000 was not up to her standards, so no wine was produced for that vintage. Although this was a costly choice for Ms. Phillips, after tasting some of the appallingly mediocre wines produced by famous Napa wineries, it appears to be a wise one that only adds to her credibility. Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The last time I had this wine, it seemed much more developed, youthful and approachable. This particular bottle, which was pulled from my cellar, was super-powerful, dense and concentrated, as well as structured and backward. Aeration helped somewhat, but this looks like a very long-lived wine, and my initial suggestion of an anticipated maturity date (2010-2025) should be changed to 2015-2035. Only 450 cases were made of this blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc from former proprietor Jean Phillips’ vineyards just south of the Oakville crossroads. The spectacular dense blue/purple color remains opaque. The wine displays the hallmark creme de cassis, floral and licorice notes that are so pure, vivid and intense, and which have always been part of this vineyard’s classic trademark. With great purity, a full-bodied mouthfeel and even more thickness, power and density than I remember, this wine has put on weight, developed more structure, and looks like a candidate for 30 more years of aging potential. This is a brilliant wine, much in keeping with the legendary status of this producer. Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2001 (only 450 cases) is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Dense purple-colored with a classic nose of black currant liqueur intermixed with licorice, a touch of earth, smoke, and discreet toast, this is a powerful, tannic, dense, young offering revealing Screaming Eagle’s classic trademarks of fragrance, purity, nobility, and an extraordinary intensity of black currant fruit in a full-bodied, seamless style. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025+. Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon is simply magnificent. Tasted next to the 2002 - or I should say drunk next to the 2002 - the 2001 just has more of everything. Dark, sensual and inviting, the 2001 opens to reveal masses of dark fruit intermingled with, graphite, spice, lavender and licorice. The tannins and structure are there, but they are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. I have long believed Screaming Eagle is the Lafite of Napa Valley. The 2001 is a great example. Two recent bottles have been magnificent. What a wine!
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)1997(1)
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