2018 Screaming Eagle The Flight

Screaming Eagle and the development of The Flight

Screaming Eagle is considered one of Napa Valley's most exclusive and sought-after producers. The estate operates with an extremely strict selection process, small volumes, and a philosophy focused on elegance and the pure expression of their unique Oakville terroir. While Screaming Eagle itself is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon-driven, The Flight is a separate cuvée in which Merlot plays the leading role, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon. Under the Winery tab, you'll find extensive background information about the estate and the history of these rare wines.

The Flight's style revolves around refinement, aromatic clarity, and a silkier structure than the powerful Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a wine that combines finesse with depth and remarkable longevity.

Oakville's terroir and unique vineyards

The estate is located in Oakville, one of Napa Valley's most prestigious subregions. The vineyards are characterized by warm days, cool nights, and constant ventilation from the bay, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The soils consist of well-draining gravel, sand, and alluvial deposits, ideal for grapes with concentration and elegant structure.

The Flight uses a specific Merlot vineyard planted in the 1980s on the east side of the estate. These vines are situated on exceptionally gravelly, dry soils and produce grapes with vibrant acidity, aromatic freshness, and a striking floral signature. Only a limited portion of the Cabernet Sauvignon meets the profile required by The Flight: fruit with refined tannins, clarity, and a light-footed structure.

The grapes and character of the 2018 vintage

The Flight is typically Merlot-driven, supplemented with Cabernet Sauvignon and sometimes a small fraction of Cabernet Franc. The 2018 vintage showcases the estate's commitment to energy and elegance: a wine with a powerful aromatic presence, yet a silky, harmonious structure that enhances the estate's Merlot style.

2018 was a year full of life for Screaming Eagle's vineyards, as winemaker Nick Gislason described it. The canopies were healthy and exuberant, the balance between sun and coolness was ideal, and the grapes achieved a rare aromatic precision. This combination produced a wine that combines freshness, tension, and intensity in a remarkably elegant structure.

Vinification and maturation of the 2018 The Flight

The grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously selected. Only plots that deliver the purity, freshness, and refined tannin structure essential to The Flight are used. Vinification is carried out plot by plot, often in small tanks. Fermentation is carried out with great care, maintaining temperature and extraction, emphasizing finesse and aromatic clarity.

After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barriques, some new and some used, to maintain the balance between structure and elegance. The total aging time varies by vintage. The 2018 displays a perfect integration of oak and fruit, emphasizing the wine's freshness and refined character.

Color, scent and taste of the 2018 Screaming Eagle The Flight

The color is medium to deep garnet red with purple highlights. The aroma opens with a beautiful perfume of red roses, cherry liqueur, black raspberries, and fresh cassis. Then, layers of ironstone, damp earth, lavender, star anise, and a hint of cinnamon powder emerge.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with a striking freshness that enhances the black fruit and floral notes. The tannins are ripe, fine, and slightly grainy, providing wonderful precision and grip. The finish is long, mineral, and lively, with the pure focus characteristic of this cuvée.

The wine received 98 points and has a drinking window from 2024 to 2054. It is a vintage distinguished by aromatic layering, structure and an almost weightless elegance.

Would you like to order Screaming Eagle wines online?

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 these 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, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

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 at the 2018 The Flight

Grilled beef tenderloin with black pepper and rosemary
The refined structure and minerality of the wine complement the juicy, subtly spiced notes of the meat.

Pasta with duck ragout and sage
The savoury richness and soft texture enhance the floral and cherry layers of the wine.

Risotto with truffle and Parmesan
The creamy texture of the dish contrasts with the fresh acidity and refined tannin structure.

Grilled tuna with soy marinade and ginger
The salty freshness and fine structure of tuna match well with the energetic character of the wine.

Oven-baked eggplant with oregano and tomato
The Mediterranean flavours enhance the fruity precision of this Merlot-driven cuvée.

Veal sucade with light herbs and citrus notes
The elegant tannin structure and floral aftertaste find a beautiful balance with the soft spiciness.