Wine Advisor
Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The perfect 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Screaming Eagle is composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Made in the classic, iconic Screaming Eagle style that the original proprietress, Jean Philipps, first showcased in the early 1990s, before the winery was sold to Stan Kroenke, the inky/purple-colored, seamless 2012 possesses an extraordinary set of aromatics consisting of pure blackcurrant liqueur, licorice, acacia flowers, graphite and a subtle hint of new oak. Full-bodied, opulent and voluptuous, this profound wine is as prodigious as I thought it would be last year when tasted from barrel. It should age effortlessly for 20 or more years.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2012 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon should turn out to be one of this estate-s great achievements, ranking alongside some of their legendary vintages such as 2010, 2007, 2002, 2001, 1997 and the debut release, 1992. An inky/purple color is followed by an intense bouquet of creme de cassis, blackberries, licorice and graphite. The wine hits the palate with extravagant fruit density, a full-bodied mouthfeel and an elegance, precision and vibrancy that are hard to fathom given the wine-s creamy richness. It exhibits more minerality than I expected at such a young age, and this is a prodigious effort in what looks to be a great vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon, along the lines of the more open and flamboyant years of 2007 and 2002. This 2012 should drink well for three decades or more. Under the ownership of Stan Kroenke, this vineyard has been replanted and a new cellar has been constructed. The production of Screaming Eagle has remained between 700-1,000 cases, and a second wine, the Second Flight, includes 520-800 cases. The introduction of a second wine is an attempt to keep Screaming Eagle at its mythical level of quality. This vineyard, situated on the valley floor at the Oakville Crossroads across the road from the Rudd Estate, encompasses 60 acres, but only a small percentage is used for these two cuvees. Based on the three vintages I tasted, it appears the Second Flight wines include much less Cabernet Sauvignon and more Merlot than the flagship Screaming Eagle. Tel. (707) 944-0749
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2012 Screaming Eagle is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Ripe, flamboyant and opulent to the core, the 2012 races across the palate with stunning depth and pure texture. The flavors are dark, bold and expressive. This is one of the darker, more powerful 2012s readers will come across. Because of the long, temperate growing season, winemaker Nic Gislason opted to wait until mid-October to harvest, very late by the estate's historical standards. Estate Manager Armand de Maigret told me the 2012 reminds him of the 2007. I don't quite see that parallel, but it will be interesting to taste both vintages from bottle in a few years to find out.
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Bright medium ruby. Very deep aromas of blueberry, flowers, licorice and wild herbs show a medicinal reserve. Thick but vibrant, with deep, fully ripe, layered flavors of blackberry and blueberry syrup and graphite minerality dominating the middle palate. Offers compelling sappiness and definition. Noble tannins spread out to saturate the entire palate on the inexorable, steadily building finish. Still an infant but utterly seamless from the outset.
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."
