Screaming Eagle
History and Background
Screaming Eagle, one of Napa Valley's premier and most elusive wineries, was founded by Jean Phillips, a former real estate agent, who purchased the Oakville property in 1986. The first vineyards were planted under her ownership, laying the foundation for what would become a legendary wine producer in the Oakville AVA, renowned particularly for its Cabernet Sauvignon.
The inaugural vintage of Screaming Eagle was 1992, released with significant acclaim in 1995. This vintage was masterfully crafted by noted winemaker Heidi Barrett, setting a high benchmark for quality and establishing the winery's cult status. Screaming Eagle's reputation for producing some of the world’s most sought-after and expensive wines hinges on its exceptional quality, exclusivity, and extremely limited production.
Significant changes occurred in 2006 when Jean Phillips sold the winery to Charles Banks and Stan Kroenke, with Kroenke taking over full ownership in 2009. Despite changes in ownership, the commitment to quality and exclusivity has persisted, with Screaming Eagle continuing to produce highly coveted wines.
Vineyards and Terroir
Screaming Eagle's vineyards are located on the eastern edge of the Oakville AVA, close to the foothills of the Vaca Mountains. This position benefits from a distinctive microclimate that is ideal for viticulture. The soil is a rich mix of clay, loamy sand, and graveled alluvial deposits, offering excellent drainage and varying nutrients which are conducive to the growth of high-quality vines. Primarily, the estate is known for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, cultivated alongside Merlot and Cabernet Franc. These additional varieties are typically blended into the Screaming Eagle wines, enhancing their complexity and depth, although the spotlight remains firmly on their world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine Style and Production
Screaming Eagle’s wines showcase a harmonious balance between finesse and a robust depth. Known for their limited production, these exclusive wines are crafted with an unwavering commitment to purity and precision. The winemaking approach at Screaming Eagle centers on expressing the distinctiveness of their Oakville terroir through meticulous vineyard practices and highly selective processing.
Reputation
Screaming Eagle is an icon with an almost cult-like following - it's Screaming Eagle.
Final Thoughts
Screaming Eagle is the poster child of the Cult Icon. The limited production releases add to the wine's rarity and exclusivity, making Screaming Eagle not just a product but an experience. For those fortunate enough to taste a bottle, it illustrates Napa Valley winemaking at its finest.