2012 Second Flight
Buying options
Tasting notes
Composed of 43% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Cabernet Franc and with a very deep garnet-purple color, the 2012 Second Flight has an enticingly savory nose with notes of smoked meats, yeast extract, tapenade and truffles over a core of creme de cassis and plum preserves plus a touch of Indian spices. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated in the mouth, it has firm, velvety tannins and plenty of background freshness supporting the generous fruit, finishing long and spicy.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Both of the 2012s show the more sexy, opulent, exuberant style of the vintage. The 2012 Second Flight is a more Cabernet Sauvignon based cuvee than normal and is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc. It boasts a vibrant ruby color as well as loads of ripe black cherry, blueberry, white chocolate, dried flower, and graphite aromas and flavors. I love its texture, it’s full-bodied, rich and powerful, yet stays light and graceful with no sense of weight or heaviness, all making for one beautiful wine to drink over the coming 15+ years.
This is very structured with ripe and silky tannins that shows a dense and compacted fruit character. It's full and racy. Impressive tone and form. A blend of 43% merlot, 48% cabernet sauvignon and 9% cabernet franc. Try in 2019.
The 2012 Second Flight may be the highest scoring second wine I have ever reviewed. A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, it is completely different from the Screaming Eagle since the latter wine is at least 75% or more Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot with only a tiny dollop of Cabernet Franc. The 2012 Second Flight offers up floral, blue and black fruit, mocha and white chocolate characteristics. It possesses full-bodied, silky flavors, and a finish that lasts 50+ seconds. It can be drunk now, but should evolve effortlessly for 12-15+ years.
About the producer
Screaming Eagle is one of the Napa Valley’s original cult Cabernets. Right from the first release, the now iconic producer garnered huge scores and a fanatic following.