2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
I loved the 2011 Screaming Eagle when it was in barrel and then as a young, recently-bottled wine. It is every bit compelling today. Bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, sage, mint and white pepper lend notable energy throughout. At age ten, the 2011 positively bristles with energy and freshness. Winemaker Nick Gislason waited until the end of October to harvest. Among other things, the 2011 is unique for its high percentage of Cabernet Franc (12%). Today, the 2011 is spectacularly beautiful. Readers who own it should be thrilled.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A vivid, nuanced wine, the 2011 Screaming Eagle is absolutely impeccable. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke and licorice open up in the glass, followed by more savory notes that develop later. The 2011 gets better and better in the glass, as the flavors become even more precise and chiseled. Hints of pencil shavings, leather, cedar and menthol add nuance on the super-expressive finish. This is a stellar showing from Screaming Eagle.
(bottled in December of 2013): Bright ruby-red. Highly perfumed scents of cassis, musky cigar tobacco and bitter chocolate, lifted by floral and cedar nuances. Youthfully tight today but boasts terrific youthful intensity and lavender lift to its dark berry and cigar box flavors. Broad tannins saturate the palate on the very long back end. Winemaker Nick Gislason uses five "core coopers," seeking a gentle oak influence. A star of the vintage, with a serious structure for mid-term aging.
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.