Review: 2009 Screaming Eagle Second Flight
I’ve been writing about wine for 20 years, but one label has long eluded me in tasting after tasting: Screaming Eagle. Tonight I had the opportunity to tuck into a full bottle of Screaming Eagle Second Flight — the “cheap” version of this top-of-the-top cult California cabernet sauvignon wines, although a bottle of this 2009 bottling will still run you $700 a pop or more.
So, without further ado, and while I still wait to work my way through the first label of Screaming Eagle, here’s my commentary on 2009 Screaming Eagle Second Flight.
Wow, here’s a wine that shockingly lives up to its reputation. More lively and on its feet than I expected, the wine drinks as iconic, near-perfect-middle-aged cabernet sauvignon. Fresh black cherry and blackcurrant notes burst in the mouth, with a touch of brown sugar sweetening things up. The palate is gorgeous and layered with silky tannins, imbuing the wine with notes of licorice candy, mint, and a touch of chocolate. While the finish (and the palate, to be honest) are surprisingly a touch on the sweet side, there’s no question that, after 10 years in the bottle, this is a wine that stands near the top of its game.
A / $700 / screamingeagle.com
2009 Screaming Eagle Second Flight
$700
