2014 Screaming Eagle The Flight

Screaming Eagle Winery

Founded in the early 1990s in Oakville, Napa Valley, Screaming Eagle is among the world's most exclusive wineries. The estate is known for its extremely low production, meticulous vineyard selection, and a style focused on finesse and balance rather than pure power. Both in the vineyard and in the cellar, the winery works with the utmost precision, aiming to create wines that combine texture, aromatic complexity, and long aging.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

Second Flight hails from Oakville, located in the heart of Napa Valley. This area benefits from cooling morning mist from San Pablo Bay, followed by warm afternoons. These conditions allow for a long growing season and gradual ripening. The 2014 vintage was relatively balanced, retaining freshness and a distinct aromatic precision.

Second Flight within the domain

Second Flight is Screaming Eagle's Merlot-focused wine and represents the estate's own interpretation, distinct from The Flight and the iconic main wine. In 2014, the style is remarkably refined and elegant, with a clear focus on freshness, tension, and floral expression. This year, the wine is closer to Screaming Eagle's own style than ever before, with a more precise and aromatic approach to Merlot.

Vineyards

The grapes are sourced from select parcels within Screaming Eagle's vineyards in Oakville. The soils consist of well-draining alluvial deposits with gravel and stones, resulting in low yields and concentrated fruit. This combination contributes to the wine's distinctive structure and mineral tension.

Grape varieties and composition

The blend consists of 57 percent Merlot and 43 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, with no Cabernet Franc. Merlot provides texture, floral aromas, and elegance, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure, tension, and length. The composition focuses on balance and precision, with a fresh and refined style.

Harvest

The harvest took place under controlled conditions, with careful timing to preserve freshness and aromatic clarity. Each grape variety was harvested separately at the moment of optimal ripeness, contributing to the precision of the final blend.

Vinification

Vinification was carried out with an emphasis on gentle extraction to preserve the very fine-grained tannin structure. Fermentation and maceration were carried out component by component, allowing for maximum control over texture and aroma. This approach results in a wine with tension and refinement, without excessive extraction.

Maturation

The wine was aged in oak barrels with a carefully balanced use of new wood. This aging enhances the structure and adds complexity, while preserving aromatic purity. The style is focused on long bottle aging and gradual development.

Color, smell and taste

The color is deep purple-black. The aroma reveals notes of blueberries and blackberries, complemented by nuances of cassis, truffle, bay leaf, rosehip, and subtle earthy notes. On the palate, the wine is energetic and fresh, with a medium to full body and very firm yet remarkably fine tannins. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with a precise and tense finale.

Development and drinking window

Second Flight 2014 currently appears closed and structured, but it clearly has aging potential. Further bottle aging will soften the tannins and enhance its aromatic complexity. Since this wine is over 15 years old, wine is a natural product and aging can vary from bottle to bottle. The drinking window runs from approximately 2021 to 2042.

Summary of professional reviews

Lisa Perrotti-Brown awarded this wine 96 points, praising its freshness, elegance, and mineral tension, with very fine-grained tannins and a refined Merlot expression. Other professional reviews place the wine at around 97 points, highlighting its balance, energy, and long finish. The 2014 Second Flight is considered a particularly precise and elegant interpretation within the estate.

The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

• Roasted quail with mushrooms and thyme, where the floral notes and fine tannins complement each other well.
• Veal fillet with a light truffle and Jerusalem artichoke jus, matching the elegant texture.
• Venison with roasted beetroot and spicy sauce, which enhances the earthy layers of the wine.
• Mushroom and Parmesan risotto, which supports the texture and umami.
• Roasted aubergine with lentils and herbs, which respects the freshness and tension.

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