Screaming Eagle 2010 is the last vintage made by Andy Erickson, who was hired after the 2006 sale and made the estate's first wines under the new owners. Robert Parker gave it a perfect 100 points.
About This Wine
Rain during flowering in spring 2010 caused a poor fruit set, cutting yields sharply and concentrating what remained. The estate responded with a little less Cabernet and more Merlot than usual: the final blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, and Parker reported 610 cases made at 14.5% natural alcohol. Reviews point to crushed rocks, graphite, menthol, plum and black cherry, with power and finesse together. Antonio Galloni put its maturity at 2020 to 2030, so at around fifteen years old it is now in its stride.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Crème de cassis, kirsch and plum with spring flowers, graphite, mint and a touch of toast.
- Palate: Opulent and full-bodied, with pure dark fruit, layered texture and fine structure.
- Finish: Vivid, finishing on liquorice, black cherry and crushed stone.
Serving & Food
Decant for about an hour and serve at 17°C in a large Bordeaux glass. It should drink well for the next two decades. Try it with Wagyu striploin, lamb loin with a red wine jus or a plate of aged Parmigiano.
How to Enjoy
A perfect-score Screaming Eagle from a low-yield year, for a special dinner or a long-term cellar.
Product Details
Producer: Screaming Eagle
Country: USA
Region: Oakville, Napa Valley, California
Vintage: 2010
Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc
Winemaker: Andy Erickson
Volume: 750mL
About the Winery
In March 2006 Jean Phillips sold the estate to Stan Kroenke and Charles Banks, telling clients the new owners planned to keep it small while raising the bar on quality. Banks left in 2009, and Kroenke continued on his own.
The first years of the new ownership were a period of rebuilding. Andy Erickson, who had begun his career at Harlan Estate, was hired as winemaker in 2006 and made five vintages. During that time a new winery designed by Howard Backen was built on the property and much of the vineyard was replanted. Erickson stepped down at the start of 2011 to focus on his own label, Favia, and his consulting clients.