2010 Second Flight

The impressive 2010 Second Flight is composed of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by notes of black currants, forest floor, bouquet garni and licorice. Medium to full-bodied with surprising richness and density as well as sweet tannin, this serious wine can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years. ||Under the ownership of Stan Kroenke, this vineyard has been replanted and a new cellar has been constructed. The production of Screaming Eagle has remained between 700-1,000 cases, and a second wine, the Second Flight, includes 520-800 cases. The introduction of a second wine is an attempt to keep Screaming Eagle at its mythical level of quality. This vineyard, situated on the valley floor at the Oakville Crossroads across the road from the Rudd Estate, encompasses 60 acres, but only a small percentage is used for these two cuvees. Based on the three vintages I tasted, it appears the Second Flight wines include much less Cabernet Sauvignon and more Merlot than the flagship Screaming Eagle.||Tel. (707) 944-0749 Wine Advocate.October, 2013