The drought had a significant impact on the 2021 harvest in the Napa Valley region, resulting in a small harvest vintage of Screaming Eagle's Cabernet Sauvignon, a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grown on gravel and loam soils.
Generally, the smaller the berries on the vine, the more concentrated the wine in the glass, a characteristic that is clearly evident in this wine. It is characterized by deep, tightly woven aromas of blackcurrant and dark cherry, with hints of graphite and pencil lead running through them. On the palate, it feels robust and powerful. The tannins are intense yet smoothly refined, providing a firm grip, and the finish is endless.
Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, used oak barrels, and concrete tanks, after which the wine is transferred to 100% new French oak barrels. Each lot tends to be evaluated as a separate oak barrel sample before blending.
This vineyard measures 18-19 hectares, and the estate is owned by Stan Kroenke.
This is a wine worth patiently waiting for in the cellar. While decanting is helpful if opened while young, its structure makes long-term aging recommended. It is best enjoyed between 2028 and 2050.
James Suckling (100)
The aromatics on this are stunning, offering black cherries, blackcurrants, lead pencil, spearmint, Spanish cedar. and wild roses. It’s medium-bodied and starts slowly on the palate and then takes off with muscular tension. Nicely chewy, toned and firm. Goes on for minutes. Flexing and showing its propensity for longevity. Rock on.
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc.
Tasted blind. Blackish garnet. Some graphite on the nose. Rather simple and direct with crunchy tannins on the end. Not yet ready. Rather bordelais. Frank, but not yet very interesting. Backward. Dry finish but quite sophisticated.
Vinous (100)
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most brooding, explosive young wines I have ever tasted here. The natural concentration of this drought vintage comes through loud and clear. Huge, youthful tannins reinforce the wine’s potent feel. Waves of graphite, leather, licorice, grilled herbs and lavender saturate the palate, perfectly playing off a core of intense dark fruit. I usually have no issue drinking these wines on the younger side, but the 2021 really does need time.
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
As with the Flight, I was able to taste through multiple barrels destined for the 2021 Screaming Eagle. Pure cassis and assorted dark fruits, some classic graphite and lead pencil notes, as well as a beautiful sense of minerality were present in all of the barrels, and this will be a medium to full-bodied, elegant expression of Screaming Eagle. I wouldn't expect too many fireworks right on release (although it will offer pleasure), but it should hit its stride about 7-8 years after release and have a long life.
