Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 75cl

The estate’s 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with considerable richness and pure depth. The spring frosts lowered yields noticeably resulting in a wine that is a bit darker and heavier than is the norm. The rest of the vintage was on the warmer side, which gave the wine much of its ripeness and body. Mocha, espresso, licorice and sweet spices all wrap around the palate. Next to the other wines in this tasting, the 2008 is a bit burly. The mind-bending finesse of the best vintages is missing. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. The 2008 Screaming Eagle is a model of elegance. Endless layers of sweet, perfumed fruit caress the palate in this captivating, utterly seductive wine. The finesse and silkiness of the tannin is something that is truly unique among the world’s great wines. If Grand Cru Burgundy were made in Napa Valley, it would taste like Screaming Eagle. A delicate, classy finish lets the sheer purity of the fruit come through beautifully here. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. Screaming Eagle remains one of the most compelling estates in Napa Valley. The winery is now under full control of Stan Kroenke. Consultant Andy Erickson is no longer involved in the property but his protege Nic Gislason appears to have the passion and talent to take things to the next level, as impossible a task as that may seem given the profound quality of the wines here. In addition to the wines formally reviewed, I also tasted several components of the 2010s that were absolutely gorgeous and a bottle of the 2007 which was flat-out great. OK, that is an understatement. It was utterly profound. But those weren’t the most interesting wines I tasted. Those honors go to the several tanks of 2011 Merlot I sampled during the harvest. Why? Because Screaming Eagle is one of those very rare properties where the bottled wine captures the fullest essence of the fruit just as it tastes at harvest, and that is very, very rare.

Offers pure, ripe, perfumed aromas, à la Margaux, with tasty plum, blackberry, cherry and spice in an elegant, understated style. Impressive for its delicacy, finesse, detail and persistence. Drink now through 2022. 680 cases made. –JL