Jay Kline

9.9

In an evening of pleasant surprises, this may have been the biggest of them all. Perhaps it shouldn’t have been, but looking at the lineup of legends, can one blame me? Screaming Eagle is one of those wines you read about but rarely see, let alone get an opportunity to drink. An expensive, cult Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville? Hardly original these days (though it could be argued that Screaming Eagle was the OG for the “category”). But, this was not some anonymous OTT Napa Cab. This was a brilliant, impeccably balanced, varietally correct expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville and perhaps, one of the best I’ve ever had.

The 1997 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing (still) and utterly brilliant with perfectly wisened black currants, brambles, dried leaf, tobacco, Poblano pepper, purple flowers, salmiakki, a lovely mix of cool and warm spices and organic earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, silky and punctuated with pleasant minerals. Looking at the label and seeing 13.8% ABV brings a smile to my face. This wine has remarkable confidence. To say I’m impressed would be a gross understatement. I’m smitten. Drink now with some air and enjoy through 2047+. — 6 days ago

Josh Armenta

9.0

Great wine that needs a bit to open and express its fresh fruit and balance. — 4 months ago

Scott E. Becker

9.0

[Tasted on April 5, 2026 at Home]

Purchased during October 2017 visit to the winery. Pear, green apple, grapefruit and mandarin orange, with notes of celery, chamomile and fennel. Racy acidity. — 5 months ago

Angelo Casagrande

8.9

Lot of dark fruit: blackberries, blueberries, and a tinge of spice. Dark, the wine smells like it tastes. Good value. — 6 months ago

Shengli Hu

9.0

2018 much more minerality on the nose! Not what Zin reminds you of. Red cherries blackberry black pepper spices licorice medium acidity long spicy finish moderate body dark. notes from visit to the winery.

Alexander Valley. Bright red volcanic soils, steep rocky slopes and western exposure. — 4 years ago

M S

9.5

Rich, enjoyable, would buy again — 5 years ago

Miles Perry

9.1

An excellent wine. A smooth finish. — 6 days ago

Joshua Figg

9.2

Aromas of dark cherry and black licorice. Spicy but decadent on the palate. Bold and dry finish. Very nice. — 2 months ago

Alf Aguirre

9.0

Me encantó súper suave al paladar muy delicado, recomendadisimo — 3 months ago

Michael Burke

10

Tasty - good for steak — 5 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2024 vintage. Last tasted 9.3.25 (9.3). Still a fave CA white-especially for the price. A touch of class. 3.12.26. — 6 months ago

Brada

9.0

Very dark with a robust taste. I would buy it again. — 10 months ago

Brandon T

9.5

Really nice chard. Complex and interesting now but could improve with a couple more years of age. — 4 years ago

Brandi Bratek

9.5

Loved this wine. Rich and luscious. Just wow. — 5 days ago

Lyle

9.0

Medium dry with a nice finish — 2 months ago

Edward Nelson

9.2

Great vineyard for this wine. Better than others I have had. Soft, round, and fruity. Random Tuesday watching Brewers put Cuba back into second place. — 3 months ago

Tom Garland

9.4

1.5 hour decant(little fine sediment). A striking dark magenta color. On the nose: Inviting notes of dark berries, sandalwood, herbaceous, smoked meat, potting soil. Taste: silky, layered, balanced wine with dark plum/cherry, dried herbs, spice, and a cedar/mocha java lingering long finish. YUM!! — 5 months ago

with Brenda

J-Philippe Chartier

9.3

On s’en va là l’automne prochain! C’est un 2018, belle maturité- fruits murs et belle longueur d’un vin corsé et complexe. — 3 years ago

Jeff Thompson

10

Nose is vanilla ice cream and and raspberries. Tastes beautiful at first with more fruity raspberry and vanilla cream goodness. As it develops it gets drier and more leathery. Delicious. — 5 years ago

Kara Speck

9.8

9f delicious — 5 years ago