Winery Overview & History
Screaming Eagle is the crown jewel of Napa Valley’s cult wineries. Founded in 1986 by Jean Phillips, a former real estate broker, and brought to fame by winemaker Heidi Barrett in the 1990s, the estate quickly became a global symbol of rarity and perfection. Nestled in Oakville, Screaming Eagle’s first vintage—released in 1992—achieved near-mythical status, earning perfect scores and commanding record-breaking prices at auction.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
The tiny estate sits on the eastern side of Oakville in Napa Valley, covering just about 22 acres of vineyard. The soils are a mix of gravel, loam and volcanic rock, allowing excellent drainage and low yields. Warm days and cool evening breezes from the Mayacamas Mountains create a balanced ripening cycle. Every grape cluster is meticulously selected to ensure only the finest fruit reaches the cellar.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
The flagship wine is based predominantly on Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc in select vintages. The style is opulent yet ethereal—aromas of blackcurrant, violets and graphite unfold into a seamless texture of velvety tannins, precision and depth. Screaming Eagle’s wines are known for purity, restraint and haunting persistence.
Signature Wines
- Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon — The original cult wine, produced in minute quantities (around 400–800 cases annually).
- Screaming Eagle ‘Second Flight’ — A Merlot-driven blend offering early-drinking elegance while maintaining the estate’s finesse.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Winemaking is minimalist and intensely selective. Grapes are hand-harvested at dawn, sorted berry by berry, and fermented in small temperature-controlled tanks. The wine is aged for about 20 months in new French oak, then bottled unfiltered. Current winemaker Nick Gislason continues the estate’s tradition of precision, guided by viticultural director David Abreu.
Visitor & Contact Information
Visiting: The estate is private and not open to the public—access is strictly by invitation.
Address: Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA
Website: www.screamingeagle.com
Contact: Limited availability; inquiries via official website.
* Photo Courtesy of vinfolio.com