Wine Advisor
Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 600-case 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon is, at present a proposed blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. A sweet, intense bouquet of black currant liqueur interwoven with lilac, vanillin, and subtle oak scents is followed by a majestic, expansively flavored Cabernet that appears to be on a faster evolutionary track than the 2001. Perhaps it is just the broad, generous, extremely ripe nature of the 2002 vintage, but this is a crowd-pleaser that has lost none of Screaming Eagle’s extraordinary palate presence and stature. A wine of great aromatic and flavor intensity with a long, 60-second finish, it is an amazing example of what has become a succession of glorious offerings from this minuscule property located at the intersection of the Silverado Trail and the Oakville Crossroads. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018. 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. Not yet released. Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2002 is reminiscent of the 1992, exhibiting a precociousness out of the gate, but capable of lasting 20-25 years. Deep purple-colored to the rim, with a gorgeously pure nose of creme de cassis with a hint of sweet cherry, licorice, and smoke, this wine is beautifully voluptuous, full-bodied, yet incredibly elegant, with a finish that goes on for close to a minute. It is more showy than either the 2001 or the 2003. (Release date Spring 2005) Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Beautiful floral notes intermixed with creme de cassis, licorice and charcoal jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored 2002. Opulent, broad, full-bodied and more mature than I expected given how this wine showed in its youth, this deep, rich Cabernet Sauvignon is exceptional. However, in this vintage it has to take a back seat to a number of other cuvees. The final blend was 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2002 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon is creamy, opulent and engaging right out of the gate. Plush, silky tannins wrap around a core of red-toned fruit, hard candy, sweet spice and flowers. The 2002 is unquestionably an extrovert.
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."
