Screaming Eagle   Screaming Eagle

2005 Screaming Eagle

By Screaming Eagle

2005 Screaming Eagle from Screaming Eagle, Napa Valley, USA

The mere whisper of the 2005 Screaming Eagle from Screaming Eagle winery stirs palpable excitement. This esteemed Californian powerhouse liberally imparts its exquisite characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety in a fit of virtuosic genius with each vintage. Yet the star that truly shines brightest in the pantheon is the majestic offering from 2005.

 

Invest in Terroir Triumphs

Despite being an outstandingly successful year for fine wines from the USA, especially those hailing from Napa Valley, the 2005 Screaming Eagle truly sets itself apart and showcases why it remains unabashedly sought after by discerning investors.

The supreme conditions in the vineyard during 2005 created an impeccable balance of ripeness and acidity that has allowed this wine to mature graciously. Entirely composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, its deep, mysterious ruby shade presents notes of cassis and blackberries mingling delightfully with whispers of violets and liquorice.

 

The taste of a laudable legacy

Considering the laudable timeline of Screaming Eagle's legacy in viticulture, it's no surprise that every sip yields offering that is rich and full-bodied, scantily veiling an enchanting structure that has emerged over the last decade. It promises generous returns on investment not just financially, but on a sensory level too.

Harmony is key when crafting remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon - an intricate dance between power and finesse. The 2005 Screaming Eagle masterfully takes one through this entrancing ballet, with firm tannins beautifully counteracting a luscious juiciness, culminating in an opulent, profound finish that resonates long after the last drop.

The 2005 Screaming Eagle from Screaming Eagle is a testament to the aphorism that patience truly yields virtuous rewards. Playing out like a symphony with intricately woven layers of complexity and richness, it continues to elicit immense awe from connoisseurs and investors alike. A truly exceptional wine, and seemingly endless in its mystique and allure, the 2005 Screaming Eagle remains one of California's best embodiments of fine wine investment opportunities.

Current market price

£34,660.00

12x75cl

Highest score

98

POP score

1925.56

Scores and tasting notes

98

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

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 21 December 2008

Vintage performance