Screaming Eagle 2018

2021 in Napa Valley was marked by low yields and exceptional fruit concentration, producing wines of remarkable structure, purity, and long-term potential. The seasoned terroir and meticulous vineyard management at Screaming Eagle yielded one of the most critically acclaimed expressions in recent memory, garnering multiple perfect or near-perfect scores from top critics and showcasing intense concentration and finesse. 

Appearance: Opaque ruby-black with a saturated core and vivid purple rim; exceptional depth and youthful presence.

Nose: Profound and impeccably defined. Pure blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry are lifted by violet, dried spearmint, and subtle sage. Savory graphite, crushed stone, and ironstone minerality speak to Oakville’s terroir, while finely integrated oak contributes cedar, cocoa, and tobacco notes without dominance. The aromatics are intense yet refined, showing both power and precision. 

Palate: Dry, full-bodied, and masterfully balanced. The palate delivers concentrated dark fruit framed by ultra-fine grain tannins and lively acidity that lend both structure and lift. Layers of cassis, black tea, mineral tones, and subtle savory complexity unfold with remarkable clarity. This is a wine of both presence and poise—powerful yet composed, with no single element overwhelming the whole.

Finish: Exceptionally long and harmonious, tapering slowly with dark fruit, floral echoes, graphite, and a lingering, mouthwatering freshness.

Overall: A transcendent Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that defines cult prestige—uniting power, elegance, and terroir expression. Screaming Eagle 2021 is already breathtaking yet unquestionably built for long-term evolution.

Serving: 16–18°C. Decanting recommended (2–3 hours) in youth to fully express aromatic and textural depth.

Pairing: Prime beef, lamb, venison, game birds, or refined recipes that allow this Cabernet to shine.

Drinking window (estimate): 2028–2060+ (peak drinking decades ahead). 

The aromas in this wine reflect wonderfully ripe cabernet, when the fruit tastes of near-perfect ripeness, Currants and flowers, such as roses, together with green strawberries and black licorice. Full-bodied with fine-velvet tannins and an ultra-long finish. Layered and beautiful. Finely tailored. Drink after 2027, but so gorgeous now.

A powerful expression of rich, detailed, polished Cabernet, with layer upon layer of blackberry, licorice, kirsch, graphite and savory herb flavors. Impeccably balanced and nuanced, authoritative and refined in the same sip.