The Second Flight - Screaming Eagle 2013

If any wine exemplifies the California Cult wine phenomena, it’s Screaming Eagle, which made its auspicious debut with their 1992 vintage. Within two short years, the wine quickly shot to the top of the hot must-have collectible charts driving collectors into a frenzy and creating a phenomena that had enthusiasts tripping over each other to obtain. This majestic wine continues to drive commanding prices. Allocating this wine is like grasping oil with your hands.

This luxury liquid is rarely tasted outside the winery, as much of the wine goes to collectors whom are more likely to sell their allocation than drink it; however, those who have had the unique opportunity are overwhelmed with its upfront elegance. "The Second Flight", being very age worthy, is more classic Bordeaux than modern Napa, yet, still with the perfumed nose and mineral line that speaks of Oakville.  Screaming Eagle isn’t about power, but rather elegance, refined and pure, with a rich, silky, velvety texture. Though scarce and nearly mythical, if the wine somehow lands in a lucky individual’s hands and is willing to uncork the bottle, they would be taken on a flight to ecstasy and back.

97 Points - James Suckling    Very bright and aromatic with dark purple fruits on the nose. Mint, floral and vine bark. Spearmint. Full body, very firm tannins, wonderful savoriness. Flavorful finish. A fabulous mouthfeel. Very, very long. Mostly merlot with cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. Drink or hold.

96+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate    Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Second Flight simply sings of spiced blueberries, black forest cake and preserved plums with suggestions of star anise, baker’s chocolate, fertile loam and dried Provence herbs with a hint of lavender. Big, concentrated, full-bodied and packed to the gills with black fruits, exotic spice and floral layers, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with epic length and loads of layers. Still very taut, it needs at least another 2-3 years in bottle. Interestingly, this full-on hedonistic vintage has one of the largest Merlot contributions ever for this wine: 65% Merlot with 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Cabernet Franc.

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck    Moving to the 2013s, the 2013 Second Flight is more powerful than the 2014 yet doesn’t lose a beat with regards to elegance and purity. A blend of 65% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon, its deep purple color is followed by terrific notes of black cherries, spice-box, chocolate, and violets nuances. From a vintage that has a compressed harvest and tiny yields, this beauty is full-bodied, has beautiful purity and a finesse-driven, elegant slant that makes it a joy to drink. 

95 Points - Vinous    The 2013 Second Flight is dark, powerful and incisive, with layers of graphite-infused minerality that are pushed forward. This is perhaps the most intense, brooding Second Flight I have tasted so far. Unctuous and deep to the core, the 2013 possesses magnificent concentration to match its spherical texture. Lavender, rose petal, mint and a host of savory notes wrap around the deep, somber finish. What a gorgeous wine the 2013 is shaping up to be. This is a total knock-out from the team at Screaming Eagle. 

94 Points - Decanter    A blend containing more Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Screaming Eagle's second wine is more floral and perfumed, revealing a fragrant bouquet of bright raspberry, rose petal, tobacco and spearmint. Supple and savoury, this wine appeals for its aromatic amplitude and classical profile.