Wine Advisor
Screaming Eagle, Second Flight 2010
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Deep ruby. Lovely floral lift to the aromas of blackberry, minerals, graphite, bitter chocolate and licorice. Lush, broad and silky-smooth, with enticing sweetness and terrific verve to the black fruit flavors. Finishes very long, with serious tannic spine and subtle sweetness. This wine is built from the bottom up, beginning with the estate's merlot and cabernet franc, notes winemaker Nick Gislason. The ranch is 60% cabernet sauvignon by acreage, so that leaves the question of what to do with the merlot and franc. Interestingly, estate manager Armand de Maigret noted that so far we have been happier with our merlot on gravel, near the Silverado Trail, rather than on clay-rich soils toward the river.
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Composed of 26% Merlot, 61% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc, this is the first vintage made by Nick Gislason. Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Second Flight delivers slowly evolving notions of baked plums, crème de cassis and mocha with hints of unsmoked cigars, cedar chest and beef dripping plus a waft of sandalwood. Full-bodied and packed with rich, savory-laced black fruit preserves, the palate features velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long. Drinking beautifully now but should keep for 15+ years.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The impressive 2010 Second Flight is composed of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by notes of black currants, forest floor, bouquet garni and licorice. Medium to full-bodied with surprising richness and density as well as sweet tannin, this serious wine can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years. 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
Screaming Eagle's 2010 Second Flight opens with exquisite aromatics that are the hallmarks of this superb Oakville estate. Sweet red berries, mint, raspberries, violets and lavender emerge from the glass in a silky, polished wine that is all about grace. Even though Cabernet Sauvignon plays a greater role in the 2010 than the 2011, the 2010 is incredibly sweet, refined and polished. In 2010 Second Flight is power and finesse. The 2010 is 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc.
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."
