Screaming Eagle 2019

The Screaming Eagle 2019 is a wine of profound beauty in the glass. It exhibits a deep, inky, and almost impenetrable garnet hue, hinting at the wine's remarkable concentration and depth. This wine's viscosity is immediately apparent, forming slow, graceful tears that cling to the sides of the glass.

 The nose of Screaming Eagle 2019 is an intoxicating symphony of aromas that immediately captivate the senses. Ripe dark fruits dominate, with luscious blackberries, black cherries, and cassis taking center stage. These fruit notes are layered with nuances of violets, lavender, and crushed herbs, creating a multi-dimensional and enticing bouquet. Subtle hints of vanilla, cedar, and dark chocolate from oak aging add further complexity, promising a wine of extraordinary depth.

 On the palate, Screaming Eagle 2019 lives up to its legendary reputation. This full-bodied wine is opulent and silky, showcasing a seamless integration of flavors. The dark fruit flavors continue to shine, with an exquisite purity and concentration. Blackberry preserves, cassis liqueur, and hints of blueberry dance across the palate. The wine's texture is sumptuous, with velvety tannins that provide structure without any astringency. Layers of complexity unfold with every sip, revealing notes of espresso, tobacco leaf, and exotic spices.

 This wine boasts impeccable structure, with refined tannins that lend support and elegance to its lush fruit profile. The acidity is vibrant and precise, contributing to a long and harmonious finish. Screaming Eagle 2019 exemplifies the perfect balance between power and finesse, making it a wine of exceptional grace and longevity.

The finish is remarkably enduring and resonant, echoing the wine's dark fruit and spice notes. It lingers on the palate for an extended period, leaving an indelible impression of richness and complexity.

Screaming Eagle 2019 is a triumph of Napa Valley winemaking. It embodies the essence of the region's terroir and the unwavering dedication to crafting a wine of unparalleled quality. While it is already a wine of immense charm and complexity, it also possesses the potential to age gracefully for decades, becoming even more profound and layered with time.

While it is undoubtedly a wine of immediate allure, Screaming Eagle 2019 has the capacity to evolve and improve over the next 20-30 years or more. It represents a true gem in the world of fine wine, reserved for special occasions and moments of celebration, and a testament to the artistry and passion of its winemaker.

The 2019 Screaming Eagle is a wine of mind-blowing elegance and finesse that stand apart from the generally more potent style of so many wines in this vintage. Deep, sensual and beautifully layered, the 2019 is simply magnificent from the very first taste. A whole range of red/purplish fruit, spice, leather, dried herb and blood orange accents give the 2019 its vivid, wonderfully detailed personality. Because of its price, both on release and in the secondary market, Screaming Eagle is the most talked about wine in Napa Valley. It is hype or not? All I can say is that I was very fortunate to drink a number of older vintages during lockdown and all those wines lived up to their reputations.