Wine Advisor
Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2003 is a superb effort from this winery, but production is down significantly, with only 600 cases produced. A dense purple color is followed by a sweet nose of charcoal-infused creme de cassis intermixed with licorice, graphite, and a subtle hint of vanilla. Full-bodied, dense, and powerful, with more tannin and structure than the 2002 exhibited at a similar age, the 2003 looks set for a long life of 20-25 years. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2025. (Release date 2006) Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
This 2003 was showing spectacularly well, and based on my recollection, I think I may have liked it even more than the 2002, which is the reverse of how I felt a decade ago. One of the biggest (14.6% alcohol) wines made by Screaming Eagle during this period, it boasts an opaque ruby/purple color as well as classic, pure, creme de cassis, cedarwood and hints of Asian soy sauce and forest floor notes. The multidimensional aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, silky-textured, opulent, rich, atypically big wine that is impeccably well-balanced. It is just starting to come into its own. Four to five more years in the cellar will prove magical, and this 2003 is one of the candidates for the wine of the vintage. It should last another 20+ years. Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2003 has been in bottle for over a year and continues to be a beautiful wine, dense ruby/purple in color with wonderful purity of creme de cassis. It is that black currant liqueur purity, richness, and depth that is one of the shining characteristics of this wine. Extraordinarily pure, the wine is full-bodied, opulent, and concentrated, but still young and primary. There is plenty of tannin underlying the wealth of fruit and, if anything, the wine seems to have firmed up since I had it last year. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020+. The 2003 is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2003 Screaming Eagle (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc) exhibits the dramatic purity of creme de cassis fruit and freshness that have been hallmarks of this wine since its inception. The tannin is soft for a 2003, and the wine possesses gorgeous density and texture as well as a sweet mid-palate and a long, concentrated, harmonious finish. It is a brilliant Cabernet that should be at it best between 2007-2020+. (Release date 2006) Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Good dark red-ruby. Distinctly rocky, mineral-driven aromas of redcurrant and leather. Juicy, suave and delineated, with lovely acid spine and a strong spice character. Not a dense or fleshy wine (fans of sheer size may be underwhelmed) but nicely balanced, pure and long on personality. Finishes with dusty, broad tannins and lovely finesse.
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)2001(1)2002(1)
Package Size
