2014 Screaming Eagle The Second Flight

Screaming Eagle Winery

Screaming Eagle was founded in the early 1990s in Oakville, Napa Valley, and is one of the most exclusive wineries in the world. The estate is known for extremely low production, meticulous vineyard selection, and a style focused on finesse and balance rather than pure power. Work is carried out with maximum precision both in the vineyard and in the cellar, 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 originates 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 ensure a long growing season and gradual ripening. The 2014 vintage showed a relatively balanced progression, maintaining freshness and clear aromatic precision.

Second Flight within the domain

Second Flight is Screaming Eagle's Merlot-oriented wine and represents the domain's own interpretation, distinct from the iconic flagship wine. In 2015, the name was changed from The Second Flight to The Flight. In 2014, the style is strikingly refined and elegant, with a clear focus on freshness, tension, and floral expression. In this year, the wine shows itself closer to the style of Screaming Eagle itself than ever before, with a more precise and aromatic approach to Merlot.

Vineyards

The grapes come from selected plots within the Screaming Eagle 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 characteristic structure and mineral tension.

Grape varieties and composition

The blend consists of 57 percent Merlot and 43 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, without the use of Cabernet Franc. Merlot provides texture, floral aromatics, 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, which contributed 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 took place component by component, allowing for maximum control over texture and aromatics. This approach results in a wine with tension and refinement, without excessive extraction.

Aging

The wine matured in oak barrels with a carefully balanced use of new wood. The aging supports the structure and adds complexity, while preserving aromatic purity. The style is geared towards long bottle aging and gradual development.

Color, smell and taste

The color is deep purplish-black. On the nose, notes of blue and blackcurrants come to the fore, 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 possesses clear aging potential. Further bottle aging will soften the tannins and add more aromatic complexity. As this is a wine older than 15 years, it should be noted that 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 and praised its freshness, elegance, and mineral tension, with very fine-grained tannins and a refined expression of Merlot. Other professional reviews place the wine around 97 points and emphasize the balance, energy, and long finish. The 2014 Second Flight is regarded as a particularly precise and elegant interpretation within the estate.

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

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

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

Food and wine 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 structure.
• Venison with roasted beetroot and spicy sauce, which enhances the earthy layers of the wine.
• Risotto with mushrooms and Parmesan, which supports the texture and umami.
• Roasted eggplant with lentils and herbs, respecting the freshness and tension.

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