Tasted blind. This bottle was purchased directly from the winery on allocation and stored in a cold cellar since release. The ruby color is frightfully deep, almost black. Intense aromas with a laser-like precision of blackcurrant, crushed rocks, orange rind, chocolate, black cherry, mint, cloves and a dash of bourbon vanilla introduce the 2007 Screaming Eagle. The palate is a complete knockout: Full-bodied, extremely concentrated with pixelated, polished tannins, built like a skyscraper with an almost never ending finish. This is a massive Napa Cab, but despite all its power, it still retains freshness and elegance. The top of the cork reads "fly high and proud". Drink now until 2040. — 3 years ago
2019 vintage. Soft nose currently but explosive front-end palate of bleached white paper, massive plum, balsamic and bacon fat. Hevvy bod. Some welcome acidity/tannins on the back end clean(s) things up nicely. Waay too young but not shy about trying out for the varsity squad. Makes you wonder where we would be if Napa/Sonoma had put as much time, effort and acreage into Syrah as they have Cabernet Sauvignon over the last six decades... — 4 years ago
Massive wine. Lots of everything. Absurdly exotic nose. Not the most harmonious; maybe still too young. — 10 months ago
2003 vintage. Also recently tasted 9.26.23 (9.5) and 10.14.23 (9.4). First bottle was sexy, voluptuous and the usual Cos with all the baby fat, even after two decades. 2nd bottle much leaner (9.4) and w/o the baby fat...more minerals afoot. Decanted and immediately tasted, also after 30 mins and after 2 hrs. Massive sed thrown. This bottle in between worlds. Some baby fat, some minerals-still damned delicious and doesn't suck. 10.22.23. — 2 years ago
2000 vintage. Briar, earth and slight brickish nose. Color as if bottled yesterday. Light-medium/medium body. Throwing some serious sed. Decanted for two hours and a little watery on the concentration but plenty of fruit. I suspect this would have fared better with a six hour decant/lounge sesh. Also follows on the heels of last week’s tasting of the massive and undying 1990 vintage so there’s that. — 3 years ago
Double decanted several hours prior to service (recommended); no formal notes. While probably not my pick for best expression from Columbia Valley, the wines of Quilceda Creek certainly have a massive following for a reason. It has been at least seven years since I last had the 2005 vintage which was probably my favorite from the aughts. Well, I’m happy to report that it is very much alive and well. Big and would still be attractive stuff for many. Balanced. Perhaps a little hot on the finish but that’s pretty common with their wines; at least to my palate. Drink now and through 2030. — 2 years ago
Young wine. Opened at 4pm. Immediate nose is massive blue fruit and incredible aroma. Latter when poured at 530 - super green pepper flavor and tobacco / charcoal. Not ready without food. 7pm - pairing with steak and the greenness has blown off and fruit re appearing on the palate. Now it’s 9pm and wine is really hitting its stride — 3 years ago
Paul J
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Overrated and overpriced. 1+hr decant, probably needed more. Very hot nose with plums. Massive tannins and hits the palate like a razor blade. Earthy with plums and prunes. Not my style. Medium depth and finish.
Anyone want my last bottle? — 21 days ago