Wine Advisor
Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, which I loved last year, has gotten even better, something I saw across the board with the bottled 2005s (a superb year for Bordeaux varietals). This blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc was aged in 67% new French oak for 21 months. It possesses a gorgeous, Pauillac-like bouquet of cedar, creme de cassis, licorice, smoke, and earth as well as sweet tannins, full body, fabulous layers of fruit, a noble sweetness, and outstanding length. This 2005 can be drunk now or cellared for 25+ years. As I wrote last year, original proprietor, Jean Phillips, has moved on, and the new sheriff in town is Charles Banks, who also owns the up and coming superstar, Santa Ynez winery, Jonata. A lot is going on at Screaming Eagle as much of the 54-acre vineyard is being replanted, and a new wine cellar is under construction. Production for the following three vintages runs from a low of 400 cases of the 2005, to approximately 800-900 for the 2007, which is their projected target for future vintages. It will be interesting to see if the $750 a bottle price holds up given the global economic crisis. Certainly, there is no doubting the quality. Beginning with the proprietor, Screaming Eagle has an amazing winemaking team in place, including day to day winemaker Andy Erickson, who is backed up by the globe-trotting Bordelais consultant, Michel Rolland Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2005 Screaming Eagle (which was put together by Andy Erickson and Michel Rolland, although the first vintage for which they will have full control will be the 2006) is about 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, and only 400 cases or so were produced. This comes across as a Bordeaux made in Oakville. It is powerful and concentrated, with creme de cassis notes intermixed with smoke, graphite, and vanilla, fabulous richness, but high tannins and more restraint and brooding backwardness than most vintages of Screaming Eagle have possessed. Of course, that has a lot to do with this cooler vintage which produced more European styled wines. This wine will require 4-5 years of cellaring and should keep for three decades or more. It’s a beauty and certainly one of the finest Cabernets I tasted from the vintage. I would guess it’s going to have to be given the new pricing of $500.00 a bottle. Not yet released. Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (only 400 cases produced) is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. A full-bodied wine with dense purple color and the classic sweet creme de cassis notes interwoven with subtle notes of graphite, pain grille, and a hint of smoldering embers, the wine has fabulous fruit, is full-bodied, but at the same time exquisitely elegant and light on its feet. The tannins are ripe, beautifully integrated, and the acidity vibrant but unobtrusive. This is a beauty that seems to go from strength to strength and should drink handsomely for at least 20-25 years. Of course, all of these wines are still sold via their mailing list and even with the pricing up to a whopping $500 a bottle, there seems to be no shortage of demand. Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
(98.5% cabernet sauvignon) Full ruby-red. Pure aromas of cassis, mocha and nutty oak, with bright red berry and tobacco notes emerging with air. Superripe and thick but with strong acidity giving sharp definition to the middle palate. The blackcurrant and smoky oak flavors are sexed up by subtle hints of caramel, spices and burning cinders as the wine opens in the glass. I love the balance of lush texture and firm acidity, not to mention the wine's sheer intensity of flavor without excesses, but this highly distinctive cabernet really needs at least six or seven years of patience to come into full harmony.
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
(98% cabernet sauvignon; the alcohol of 14.5% is a bit lower than that of the 2004) Bright ruby-red. Nose shows a mineral pungency, along with higher tones of raspberry and menthol. Penetrating, sharply defined and pure; this really vibrates in the mouth. There's a lovely subtle sweetness to the fruit, and a strong clove and cinnamon spice character. Remarkably pure on the back end, with a rising, slow-mounting finish rare for California cabernet. Potentially fabulous. (An early look at the 2006 showed a darker and more powerful fruit character along with impressive density and verve.)
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."
