The Story
Introduction
This red wine originates from the United States, specifically from the Oakville subregion of the Napa Valley in California. Screaming Eagle, founded in 1986 by Jean Phillips, is the quintessential American 'cult' winery, known for its tiny production and near mythical status among collectors. Now owned solely by businessman Stanley Kroenke, the estate maintains a philosophy of extreme quality control and 'patient winemaking', overseen by winemaker Nick Gislason. The vineyard is situated on a rocky, west-facing slope that benefits from excellent drainage and cooling breezes from the San Pablo Bay.
Wine Description
Screaming Eagle 2022 is a medium to full-bodied red with a remarkably delicate and elegant profile for the vintage. The nose is superbly perfumed, bursting with aromas of rose, violets, and ripe mulberry layered with sandalwood, coriander, and cool slate crispness. On the palate, it displays a 'crunchy' freshness and energy, with flavors of red-toned fruit and dark chocolate balanced by a distinct saline-acid tension. It is characterized by its sleek finesse and silky, refined tannins that give it a weightless feel compared to the typical 'velvet' of Napa Cabernet. This blend, resulting from extreme sorting, was aged for 20 to 22 months in 69% new French oak and typically includes a dominant percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The ABV is approximately 14.8%. While the estate is not certified organic, it is farmed with meticulous precision. The optimal drinking window is from 2027 through 2042.
Accolades
-
Decanter - 98 points.
-
Jeb Dunnuck - 95–97 points.
-
Vinous - 95 points.
Food Pairing
The refined structure and vibrant acidity of this 2022 vintage make it a sophisticated partner for high-quality proteins. It pairs perfectly with roasted lamb, prime rib with a herb crust, or a lean beef tenderloin. Its floral and mineral undertones also complement roasted duck breast with vincotto jus, truffle-infused risottos, or mature hard cheeses like aged Gouda or Comté.
Vintage Quality
The 2022 vintage in Napa Valley was defined by a record-breaking Labor Day heatwave that forced winemakers to make critical, high-stakes decisions regarding harvest timing. Those who successfully navigated the heat, such as Screaming Eagle, produced wines with intense concentration and surprising freshness, though yields were generally lower than average. The estate's ability to produce a wine of such 'poise and verve' in these conditions is a testament to the winemaker's skill and the resilience of the vineyard's old vines.
Description
Introduction
This red wine originates from the United States, specifically from the Oakville subregion of the Napa Valley in California. Screaming Eagle, founded in 1986 by Jean Phillips, is the quintessential American 'cult' winery, known for its tiny production and near mythical status among collectors. Now owned solely by businessman Stanley Kroenke, the estate maintains a philosophy of extreme quality control and 'patient winemaking', overseen by winemaker Nick Gislason. The vineyard is situated on a rocky, west-facing slope that benefits from excellent drainage and cooling breezes from the San Pablo Bay.
Wine Description
Screaming Eagle 2022 is a medium to full-bodied red with a remarkably delicate and elegant profile for the vintage. The nose is superbly perfumed, bursting with aromas of rose, violets, and ripe mulberry layered with sandalwood, coriander, and cool slate crispness. On the palate, it displays a 'crunchy' freshness and energy, with flavors of red-toned fruit and dark chocolate balanced by a distinct saline-acid tension. It is characterized by its sleek finesse and silky, refined tannins that give it a weightless feel compared to the typical 'velvet' of Napa Cabernet. This blend, resulting from extreme sorting, was aged for 20 to 22 months in 69% new French oak and typically includes a dominant percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The ABV is approximately 14.8%. While the estate is not certified organic, it is farmed with meticulous precision. The optimal drinking window is from 2027 through 2042.
Accolades
-
Decanter - 98 points.
-
Jeb Dunnuck - 95–97 points.
-
Vinous - 95 points.
Food Pairing
The refined structure and vibrant acidity of this 2022 vintage make it a sophisticated partner for high-quality proteins. It pairs perfectly with roasted lamb, prime rib with a herb crust, or a lean beef tenderloin. Its floral and mineral undertones also complement roasted duck breast with vincotto jus, truffle-infused risottos, or mature hard cheeses like aged Gouda or Comté.
Vintage Quality
The 2022 vintage in Napa Valley was defined by a record-breaking Labor Day heatwave that forced winemakers to make critical, high-stakes decisions regarding harvest timing. Those who successfully navigated the heat, such as Screaming Eagle, produced wines with intense concentration and surprising freshness, though yields were generally lower than average. The estate's ability to produce a wine of such 'poise and verve' in these conditions is a testament to the winemaker's skill and the resilience of the vineyard's old vines.