Screaming Eagle's Sauvignon Blanc is the white made from a small plot on the Oakville estate better known for its Cabernet. The 2014 is fresh and citrus-driven, and it was the third release since the white was introduced in 2012.
About This Wine
The grapes come from a small block in the north-west corner of the vineyard, planted in 2006. They are picked at full ripeness while keeping good natural acidity; the estate has not added acid since 2005. The juice ferments in a couple of small new French oak barrels, finishing just above 14% alcohol, and production has been tiny, around 50 cases at the start. The Wine Cellar Insider rated 2014 its favourite of the first three vintages, noting floral, white peach, lemon and pomelo aromas and a crisp citrus finish.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: White flowers, white peach, lemon and pomelo, with a light touch of oak.
- Palate: Fresh and juicy, with bright citrus and stone fruit on a vibrant, textured palate.
- Finish: Clean and crisp, with a lingering citrus finish.
Serving & Food
Serve at 10 to 12°C in a white Burgundy-style glass so the oak-framed texture can show. Drink over the next few years. Good with Hokkaido scallop crudo, goat's cheese tart or steamed prawns with ginger and spring onion.
How to Enjoy
A tiny-production Napa white for a tasting alongside the estate's Cabernet.
Product Details
Producer: Screaming Eagle
Country: USA
Region: Oakville, Napa Valley, California
Vintage: 2014
Grape Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Fermentation: Small new French oak barrels
Volume: 750mL
About the Winery
Screaming Eagle is best known for its Cabernet blend, first made in 1992 by Heidi Peterson Barrett for founder Jean Phillips. After Stan Kroenke took over in 2006 and much of the vineyard was replanted, a small plot of Sauvignon Blanc became part of the estate's mix.
Today the property is planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with the Sauvignon Blanc as a small addition. Nick Gislason makes all three of the estate's wines, and the Sauvignon Blanc remains the smallest of them.