Jay Kline

9.9

In an evening of pleasant surprises, this may have been the biggest of them all. Perhaps it shouldn’t have been, but looking at the lineup of legends, can one blame me? Screaming Eagle is one of those wines you read about but rarely see, let alone get an opportunity to drink. An expensive, cult Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville? Hardly original these days (though it could be argued that Screaming Eagle was the OG for the “category”). But, this was not some anonymous OTT Napa Cab. This was a brilliant, impeccably balanced, varietally correct expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville and perhaps, one of the best I’ve ever had.

The 1997 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing (still) and utterly brilliant with perfectly wisened black currants, brambles, dried leaf, tobacco, Poblano pepper, purple flowers, salmiakki, a lovely mix of cool and warm spices and organic earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, silky and punctuated with pleasant minerals. Looking at the label and seeing 13.8% ABV brings a smile to my face. This wine has remarkable confidence. To say I’m impressed would be a gross understatement. I’m smitten. Drink now with some air and enjoy through 2047+. — 6 days ago

Bruce Leboff

9.2

Classic. Slight note of hibiscus flower on the nose. Mixed with forest floor. Long finish and not over sweet and fruit forward. Drinking nicely … — a month ago

with Allan and David

Ed Chin

9.3

Big polished and showing a hint of heat. Happily the oak isn’t too pronounced. For me this baby needs time. — 2 months ago

Paul J

9.6

Awesome producer! 1hr+ decant. Lovely red color. Nose had pencil shavings and vibrant fruit. Classic Napa sweetness on the palate with caramel integrated with cedar. Napa all the way but unique in its own special way! — 3 months ago

with Brooke

Tom Garland

9.5

+1 hour decant(lots of fine/cloudy sediment). A splendid still inky dark garnet with bricking. On the nose: expressive notes of dark red fruit, currants, smoked meat, tobacco leaf, scorched earth, nutmeg. Taste: silky, layered, rich wine with ripe blackberry/blueberry, earth, baking spice, chocolate, and a long minerally espresso never-ending finish. YUM!! — 4 months ago

with Brenda

Jenn

9.2

Very nice and truly enjoyed. — 4 months ago

Frank Soldano

9.8

Love this wine! Thick long lasting legs. Bouquet rich with raspberry and blueberry, very jammy! Smoooth flavors with a rich finish, slight hints of oak and charcoal on the back end. Great wine!!! — 6 days ago

David Russell

9.4

15.4% - Eno Terra — 14 days ago

KA

9.3

Eleven Madison Park NYC — 2 days ago

Elayna Halikopter

9.5

Very very good. Smooth. Easy to drink. Easily top 5 — a month ago

KA

9.4

Barry’s Prime Las Vegas — 2 months ago

Tyler Felous

10

11th anniversary wine. Blew me away. Good reminder that there is still value in Napa. Vineyard we got engaged at, from the year we met. Special. — 3 months ago

Dave

9.3

Found it! This is a light-handed Zin, and very delicious. Thanks for the recommendation! @Doug Powers @Anthony De Blasi
Listening to a little Depeche Mode!! — 4 months ago

Bardia Khoshnoodi

9.4

Intense but bright up front. Floral notes with a bit of chocolate. Smooth finish but a bit dry. Overall this is an excellent wine! — 14 days ago

Tom Garland

9.3

1 hour decan(some fine sediment). A splendid dark purplish garnet color. On the nose: Inviting notes of dark fruit, potting soil, mocha java, clove, pencil lead. Taste: silky, rich mouthcoating wine with dark cherry/ blueberry, currants, earth, dark chocolate and a never-ending graphite espresso finish. YUM! — a month ago

with Brenda

Billy L.

9.6

PNP @ The Painted Pony Restaurant St. George, Utah. 🍇🍷👍🏻👏🏻Cheers — a month ago

Jason Phillips

9.0

Good nose. Dark red color. Lighter than expected but great finish. — a month ago

Ed Chin

9.4

Loving the fruit and it’s showing only a hint of nuance. This vintage seems huge compared to the other vintages I’ve been fortunate to try. — 2 months ago

Andrea Watt

9.5

Tobacco, oak, and mushroom. Rich and dense with some forest floor. — 3 months ago

with Becky

Tom Casagrande

9.4

Post dinner party notes. Third bottle I’ve had of this and by far the best yet. Amazing. Such a complex nose, with roasted herbal notes, dark spicy fruit, earthy mineral iodine notes Tannins just about completely resolved. Length and depth for days. Wow. — 4 months ago