Screaming Eagle 1995

The 1995 Screaming Eagle is a highly acclaimed early vintage from one of Napa Valley’s most storied cult wine producers. Like other early Screaming Eagle releases, production was extremely limited, bolstering rarity and collectability. Critics have historically praised the 1995 for remarkable purity, symmetry, and intensity with 100 points awarded by Falstaff and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate described it as a wine of extraordinary balance and richness, capable of being enjoyed now or cellared for decades. 

Appearance: Deep purple-garnet with youthful saturation; substantial density and brilliant clarity reflective of careful cellaring.

Nose: Elegant yet powerful. Concentrated aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and plum are lifted by floral violet and subtle raspberry notes. Secondary layers include cedar, tobacco leaf, and gentle spice, with well-integrated oak lending vanilla and mocha accents. The bouquet shows both precision and richness, with tertiary hints beginning to emerge at maturity.

Palate: Dry, medium-to-full bodied and harmoniously balanced. Pure dark fruit cassis and blackberry—melds with savory mineral undertones, cedar spice, and fine oak nuances. The tannins are polished and mellow but retain structure, supporting flavors of dark chocolate, sweet spice, and subtle earthiness. Acidity remains vibrant enough to keep the profile lifted and fresh.

Finish: Long, refined, and persistent, echoing black fruit, spice, and a gentle cedar-oak impression that lingers with finesse. 

Overall: A classic expression of Screaming Eagle’s 1990s style poised between youthful vigor and mature nuance. 1995 manages to combine intensity and grace, bridging primary fruit energy with developing tertiary complexity. Its balance and symmetry make it compelling now, yet it could continue to offer depth in the medium term

Serving: 16–18 °C with a gentle decant (30–60 min) to allow mature aromatics to open.

Pairing: Herb-crusted lamb, grilled ribeye, roasted game (venison), wild mushroom risotto, or aged hard cheeses.

Drinking Window (estimate): Now–2030+, still expressive with a harmonious profile at maturity.

This is one of the least evolved Cabernets in a flight of sixteen 1995 Napa Cabs. The nose still offer primary fruit aromas of red currant, cassis and plum. Incredibly youthful on the palate with amazing depth and vitality. It is the energy on this wine combined with its layered, almost delicate flavors that offers great appeal. The wine never faded even after three hours in the glass and maintained its vigor and youthfulness. This is a subtle wine, that could easily be missed in a lineup but taste it carefully and one will note its fine, persistent length. While this vintage does not have the generosity and intensity of the 1994, it is incredibly fresh and offers its own vibrant charm.