Screaming Eagle   Screaming Eagle

2011 Screaming Eagle

By Screaming Eagle

2011 Screaming Eagle from Screaming Eagle

As we embark on this exploration of sheer finesse and elegance, the 2011 Screaming Eagle from Screaming Eagle's distant origins in the premier Newton Vineyard sparkle like stars in the spotlight. With this vintage, the vintner managed to masterfully balance a less-than-perfect climatic year and produce a mesmerizing composition that whisks us away to a sensory haven.

 

A true visionary's triumph amidst volatility

2011 was not without its climatic challenges in Napa Valley. A cooler-than-normal spring started the year, which was followed by a hot summer and finally ended with rain. Despite these obstacles, Screaming Eagle excelled by meticulously managing harvest times to yield fruits with perfect ripeness. The result is a testament to unwavering dedication and expertise.

The 2011 Screaming Eagle is like a melodious aria in a grand opera; it sensitively calls forth the pure essence of Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with dashes of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

 

Captivating subtleties set in stone

Immersion into the world of this 2011 Screaming Eagle unveils a profoundly harmonious balance of dark fruit, graphite and minerality. The symphony further unfolds with vibrant hints of blackberry, blackcurrant and sandalwood. The undeniable presence of dark chocolate undertones echoes the finely-tuned tannins that promise wonderful ageing potential.

A touch cool yet robust, speak volumes about the unique 2011 growing season, making investing in this rich liquid asset an appealing opportunity for those passionate about nuanced fine wines from the USA.

In retrospect, the 2011 Screaming Eagle paints an alluring picture that underscores delightfully against the rich tableau of the producer's history. A celestial orchestrator, it bestows upon us sense of unity in diversity, reminiscent of all that is intangibly beautiful and celebrated in the dialogue between man, nature and time.

Current market price

£31,500.00

12x75cl

Highest score

92

POP score

2625

Scores and tasting notes

91-94

Made from a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2011 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon is a sexy, upfront, precociously styled wine exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color as well as lots of licorice, camphor, black currant jam, new oak and spice box characteristics. Dense, rich and impressive, the early drinking charm of the 2011 vintage gives it immediate appeal. It should keep for 10-15 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

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2013

Vintage performance