Screaming Eagle is a renowned winery located in the Napa Valley region of California. This winery is known for producing exceptional quality wines, particularly their Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot varietals. The name “Screaming Eagle” has become synonymous with luxury and prestige in the wine world.
The story behind Screaming Eagle is quite fascinating. The winery was founded in 1986 by Jean Phillips, a former real estate agent who decided to pursue her passion for winemaking. She purchased a small vineyard in Oakville, a sub-region of Napa Valley, and began planting vines. Initially, the wine produced at Screaming Eagle was intended for personal consumption and to be shared with friends and family.
However, it wasn't long before the quality of the wines caught the attention of critics and collectors. In particular, the 1992 vintage received rave reviews and quickly gained a cult following. This propelled Screaming Eagle into the spotlight and established it as one of the most sought-after wineries in the world.
One of the things that sets Screaming Eagle apart is its commitment to meticulous vineyard management. The winery owns around 60 acres of vineyards, which are carefully tended to by a dedicated team of viticulturists. They employ sustainable farming practices and strive to achieve a balance between the expression of terroir and the characteristics of each grape variety.
The winemaking process at Screaming Eagle is equally meticulous. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in small, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for greater control over the extraction of flavors and tannins.
After fermentation, the wines are aged in French oak barrels, with a proportion of new oak used each vintage. This imparts subtle nuances of vanilla, spice, and toast to the wines, complementing their rich fruit flavors. The oak is carefully selected to ensure it enhances the wine without overpowering it.
Screaming Eagle wines are known for their opulence, concentration, and balance. The Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot varietals each contribute their own unique characteristics to the final blend. The Cabernet Franc adds elegance and floral notes, while the Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and depth. The Merlot brings plushness and softness to the palate.
It's worth noting that Screaming Eagle wines are produced in limited quantities, making them highly sought after and often difficult to obtain. The winery has a dedicated mailing list, and allocations are typically offered to long-standing customers first. This exclusivity adds to the allure and mystique surrounding the brand.
Screaming Eagle is a prestigious winery in Napa Valley known for producing exceptional Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot wines. The winery's commitment to quality, from vineyard management to winemaking techniques, has earned it a well-deserved reputation among wine enthusiasts and collectors. If you ever have the opportunity to taste a Screaming Eagle wine, it is sure to be a memorable experience.