2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting Notes
The 2001 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the great wines from the Jean Phillips era and one of the all-time greats here, period. Tasted next to the 2002, the 2001 presents a darker fruit profile and greater overall depth. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, graphite, incense and chocolate build up as this rapturous wine gradually opens in the glass. The 2001 Screaming Eagle is a wine I will never forget tasting and drinking. I only hope to have a chance to drink it again!
Critic Scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The last time I had this wine, it seemed much more developed, youthful and approachable. This particular bottle, which was pulled from my cellar, was super-powerful, dense and concentrated, as well as structured and backward. Aeration helped somewhat, but this looks like a very long-lived wine, and my initial suggestion of an anticipated maturity date (2010-2025) should be changed to 2015-2035. Only 450 cases were made of this blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc from former proprietor Jean Phillips’ vineyards just south of the Oakville crossroads. The spectacular dense blue/purple color remains opaque. The wine displays the hallmark creme de cassis, floral and licorice notes that are so pure, vivid and intense, and which have always been part of this vineyard’s classic trademark. With great purity, a full-bodied mouthfeel and even more thickness, power and density than I remember, this wine has put on weight, developed more structure, and looks like a candidate for 30 more years of aging potential. This is a brilliant wine, much in keeping with the legendary status of this producer.
About the producer
Screaming Eagle is one of the Napa Valley’s original cult Cabernets. Right from the first release, the now iconic producer garnered huge scores and a fanatic following.