2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
Darker and more powerful than the 2023, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon offers cassis and black currants intermixed with smoked tobacco, rose petal, liquid violets, crushed stone, and a hint of iron. It's one of the most impressive, profound young wines I've ever tasted as well as the most powerful Screaming Eagle I've experienced. Full-bodied and dense on the palate, with serious structure, it maintains the rare sense of purity, class, and balance that's the hallmark of this estate. Hide bottles for a decade and they will keep for 40-50 years. Drink 2035-2075.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc. Tasted blind. Blackish garnet. Some graphite on the nose. Rather simple and direct with crunchy tannins on the end. Not yet ready. Rather bordelais. Frank, but not yet very interesting. Backward. Dry finish but quite sophisticated.
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most brooding, explosive young wines I have ever tasted here. The natural concentration of this drought vintage comes through loud and clear. Huge, youthful tannins reinforce the wine’s potent feel. Waves of graphite, leather, licorice, grilled herbs and lavender saturate the palate, perfectly playing off a core of intense dark fruit. I usually have no issue drinking these wines on the younger side, but the 2021 really does need time.
The aromatics on this are stunning, offering black cherries, blackcurrants, lead pencil, spearmint, Spanish cedar. and wild roses. It’s medium-bodied and starts slowly on the palate and then takes off with muscular tension. Nicely chewy, toned and firm. Goes on for minutes. Flexing and showing its propensity for longevity. Rock on. Best after 2028 and beyond.
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.