2012 Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1x750ml

Vinous 95-97

The 2012 Screaming Eagle is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Ripe, flamboyant and opulent to the core, the 2012 races across the palate with stunning depth and pure texture. The flavors are dark, bold and expressive. This is one of the darker, more powerful 2012s readers will come across. Because of the long, temperate growing season, winemaker Nic Gislason opted to wait until mid-October to harvest, very late by the estate’s historical standards. Estate Manager Armand de Maigret told me the 2012 reminds him of the 2007. I don’t quite see that parallel, but it will be interesting to taste both vintages from bottle in a few years to find out. [Antonio Galloni, 01/12/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2037

Robert Parker 96-100

The 2012 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon should turn out to be one of this estate-s great achievements, ranking alongside some of their legendary vintages such as 2010, 2007, 2002, 2001, 1997 and the debut release, 1992. An inky/purple color is followed by an intense bouquet of creme de cassis, blackberries, licorice and graphite. The wine hits the palate with extravagant fruit density, a full-bodied mouthfeel and an elegance, precision and vibrancy that are hard to fathom given the wine-s creamy richness. It exhibits more minerality than I expected at such a young age, and this is a prodigious effort in what looks to be a great vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon, along the lines of the more open and flamboyant years of 2007 and 2002. This 2012 should drink well for three decades or more. [Robert Parker, 10/01/2013]

Anticipated maturity: 2013-2043