Screaming Eagle 2017

The 2017 vintage in Napa Valley produced wines with moderate yields, elegant structure, and concentrated fruit—often showing a balance of richness and restraint rather than outright opulence. The climate that year favored ripe phenolics and defined aromatics without the blockbuster style seen in hotter vintages, resulting in wines that marry Napa fruit generosity with classical precision. Screaming Eagle’s 2017 is particularly notable because only a very limited amount was released, mostly in magnum format, enhancing its rarity and collector appeal. 

Appearance: Deep ruby with a youthful purple edge; medium-to-high density and luminous clarity.

Nose: Refined yet expressive. Cassis and ripe blackberry intertwine with graphite, cedar, and subtle tobacco leaf. Floral hints of violet and wild herbs add complexity, while delicate oak spice and savory mineral notes (sagebrush, loam) lend depth and poise.

Palate: Dry, medium-to-full bodied with elegant tension. The palate delivers concentrated dark fruit—black cherry, cassis, and plum—framed by vibrant acidity and finely knit tannins that are silky rather than aggressive. Mineral undertones and savory spice interplay with subtle cedar and licorice, giving structure without heaviness. 

Finish: Long, poised, and layered—dark fruit lingers with gentle graphite, spice, and savory herb echoes.

Overall: A rare and compelling expression of Screaming Eagle that leans toward elegance and harmony rather than sheer power. The limited magnum release and refined profile make this vintage particularly intriguing, showing classic Napa richness balanced by restraint and terroir clarity.

Serving: 16–18 °C. Decant 1–2 hours, especially from magnum, to allow aeration and aromatic lift.

Pairing: Grilled ribeye, roasted lamb with herbs, venison loin, or aged hard cheeses.

Drinking Window (estimate): 2025–2045+ — already showing a beautiful mature profile, with potential for continued refinement.

The team at Screaming Eagle first declared that they wouldn’t be releasing their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon in 2017, yet they were able to make a draconian selection, so there’s a minuscule amount of the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon scheduled to be released only in magnums. It’s unquestionably a beautiful wine and has the classic elegance and regal quality this cuvée always shows as well as pure aromatics of crème de cassis, graphite, acacia flowers, and subtle background oak. With medium to full body, a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, and great tannin quality, it’s going to be accessible with short-term cellaring and, given the magnum-only format, evolve at a glacier pace.

The 2017 Screaming Eagle is a deeply intriguing, fascinating wine, as it represents just a small portion of the harvest in that only pre-fire lots were used here (and in The Flight). As a result, the 2017 is unusually bright and tightly wound, with a decidedly savory, mineral-infused, old school-leaning personality. I won't be surprised if the 2017 turns out to be even better than this note suggests, although I also don't expect I will taste it too often given that the entire production was bottled in magnum.