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Screaming Eagle Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
Ratings on Delectable
Jay Kline 
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+.
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+.
9.9
Tor Kenward
A very nice east side valley floor Cab. Don’t see a huge future.
A very nice east side valley floor Cab. Don’t see a huge future.
9.1
Antonio Galloni
Founder, Vinous
Happy to see our software got this right on the first try
Happy to see our software got this right on the first try
10Cameron Russell
Sommelier/Educator BW Wine Group
I wish I was drink this!!!
I wish I was drink this!!!
10
B
1997 Screaming Eagle. Dinner at Dear J’s. Decanted and drank in short order. Feels like it’s peaked. Mellow fruit, soft tannins. Drink now.
1997 Screaming Eagle. Dinner at Dear J’s. Decanted and drank in short order. Feels like it’s peaked. Mellow fruit, soft tannins. Drink now.
10B
1997 Screaming Eagle. Dinner w McC and K at Il P. Didn’t decant. It was stunning. K has never had it before. Such a treat.
1997 Screaming Eagle. Dinner w McC and K at Il P. Didn’t decant. It was stunning. K has never had it before. Such a treat.
10Conrad Kenley
Epic!
Epic!
9.8
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- 401 N Great Neck Rd 118
Virginia Beach, VA 23454 - Hours:
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10 - 2 Saturday
Closed Sunday
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