2017 Screaming Eagle The Flight

Over the last 20 years, a small handful of California producers have solidified a reputation of highly coveted wines purchased by collectors the world over. Founded in 1986 by Jean Phillips, Screaming Eagle is one of these original cult wineries in California. Located in the Oakville AVA adjacent to Napa Valley’s famed Silverado Trail, the 57-acre estate was comprised of only 80 vines at the time that Philips shared some homemade Cabernet Sauvignon with winemaking peers at nearby Robert Mondavi Winery. Upon realizing the property’s potential to create top class wine for the Napa region, the name “Screaming Eagle” was born to signify Philips’ dedication to perfection. In recent years, the 2015-2016 vintages of Screaming Eagle wine scored perfect 100s from Wine Advocate, but its popularity dates as far back as 1995, winning rave reviews from such critics as Robert M. Parker Jr. for the 1992 vintage. This attention to the well-crafted, signature California-style wines created a passionate following. Then-winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett was responsible for producing vintages so sought after that in order to buy Screaming Eagle wines, one must become a customer through a mailing list with a decades-long wait list to be accepted. As of 2010, current winemaker Nick Gislason has continued to produce top tier wines, maintaining Screaming Eagle’s reputation as one of the most revered producers in North America. This kind of popularity shaped the future of wine clubs, distribution, and wine collection within the industry. Like many of the wines produced in Napa Valley, Screaming Eagle wines are primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, though limited amounts of Sauvignon Blanc are produced. In 2012 the winery released Second Flight, a Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend. In 2006 Phillips sold the winery to businessman E. Stanley Kroenke, who continues to produce very limited quantities between 400 to 600 cases a year. Buy Screaming Eagle wine on WineBid today.

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.