Screaming Eagle   Screaming Eagle

2008 Screaming Eagle

By Screaming Eagle

The 2008 Screaming Eagle from Screaming Eagle, Napa Valley, USA

Without fanfare, the 2008 Screaming Eagle from Screaming Eagle unfurls its intricate tapestry of complexities. Among the symphony of California's most lauded vintages, this rendition from Screaming Eagle manages to strike an individualistic chord of merit.

 

Savouring a Sultry Symphony

As it graces your cellar, the 2008 Screaming Eagle from Napa Valley gleams like a rare gem in your portfolio of fine wines from the USA. A carefully orchestrated equilibrium of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc varietals provides an elixir which masterfully blends power with finesse.

Showcasing a luscious panache and intensity peculiar to that memorable growing year, yet remarkably balanced by an infectious freshness. With every swirl of your glass, provocative whispers of black currant, boysenberry, and chocolatey espresso beans encapsulate the senses.

 

Embracing the Echoes of '08

The unique qualities attributed to the 2008 vintage have resulted in a timeless masterpiece that is applauded for its enduring elegance. This was a year that challenged many producers, yet Screaming Eagle harnessed the complexities to birth this exceptional offering.

The cool summer and heat spike just prior to harvest yielded an exceptional wine with enticing laconic spiciness and structured tannin layering that signifies a benevolent aging potential.

 

Investment Implications

For the discerning aficionado looking to amplify their investment venture in fascination with Californian expressions, seize the golden opportunity presented by the 2008 Screaming Eagle. Its reverence in the myriad spectrum of fine wines from USA imbues the prestige and utility that would reward both your palette and portfolio.

In the honour roll of the Napa Valley's accomplishments, the 2008 Screaming Eagle holds a significantly captivating niche. As an encapsulation of nature's gift to us in that unique year, this wine commands respect, interest, and – needless to say – a place in the pantheon of American vinous splendour.

Current market price

£27,400.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

1826.67

Scores and tasting notes

95

The estate’s 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with considerable richness and pure depth. The spring frosts lowered yields noticeably resulting in a wine that is a bit darker and heavier than is the norm. The rest of the vintage was on the warmer side, which gave the wine much of its ripeness and body. Mocha, espresso, licorice and sweet spices all wrap around the palate. Next to the other wines in this tasting, the 2008 is a bit burly. The mind-bending finesse of the best vintages is missing. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. I have had a number of fabulous tastings at Screaming Eagle, but this was one of the most memorable. The biggest news at Screaming Eagle is the release of a second wine, a project that has been in the works for a number of years. Owner Stan Kroenke and his team wanted to make sure their new wine was up to the estate’s standards, and have only released the first vintages over the last few months. I tasted all four vintages of Screaming Eagle’s second label, Second Flight, next to Screaming Eagle itself, which allowed for a fascinating set of comparisons of both wines across a number of vintages. Like its big brother, Second Flight is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine, but here the Merlot plays a much more significant role. Regardless, what comes through most is the signature of these sites as seen through the lenses of the respective vintages. Readers might also enjoy taking a look at a recent video I shot with Winemaker Nic Gislason during the 2012 harvest that we recently posted on our site. Tel. (707) 944-0749

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 26 December 2012

Vintage performance