97 - Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2014 Screaming Eagle comes in behind the 2012 and 2013, yet is nevertheless a brilliant wine that holds true to the vintage and the style of the estate. Made from 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, it offers up gorgeous notes of crème de cassis, white chocolate, spice, and graphite. Full-bodied and powerful, yet always light on its feet and seamless, it has the hallmark elegance of this estate as well as awesome purity of fruit and building tannin. You can safely drink bottles anytime over the coming 20+ years.
This small estate located off the Silverado Trail in Oakville produced two reds: A Merlot dominated Second Flight release, and the grand vin Screaming Eagle which is always close to 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc. While it’s easy to think all iconic wines are huge, opulent and over the top, nothing could be further from the truth at this estate and while these are all powerful, concentrated wines, it’s their understated elegance, purity and finesse-driven style that’s the hallmark. Prices are in the absurd stratosphere, but these are incredible, compelling, singular wines."
