Now available at IMAMI are two very different expressions from Screaming Eagle: Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 and Screaming Eagle Sauvignon Blanc 2012.

Both come from the same estate, yet they occupy very different places in its history.

It Began with a Small Amount of Cabernet in 1992

The story of Screaming Eagle begins in 1986.

Jean Phillips acquired land in Oakville, Napa Valley, initially selling much of the fruit grown there to neighbouring wineries.

From the estate’s Cabernet Sauvignon, she eventually decided to produce a wine of her own. The first vintage was 1992.

The inaugural winemaker was Heidi Barrett.

Robert Parker awarded that first vintage 99 points, and the small estate quickly became one of the defining “cult wines” of California.

What is equally notable is that production has never been expanded dramatically.

Alongside its critical reputation, the very limited quantity produced each year has become part of what defines Screaming Eagle.

2008 — Cabernet Born from a Low-Yielding Vintage

The 2008 growing season in Napa Valley began with severe spring frost, significantly reducing yields.

Relatively warm conditions followed, and Wine Advocate described Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 as a vintage with deeper colour and a fuller body than usual.

Critical scores included:

Stephen Tanzer — 96 points
Wine Advocate — 95 points
Wine Spectator — 94 points

Blackberry, cassis, violet, graphite and liquorice are among the notes associated with the wine.

Despite its concentration, it was also praised for the silky tannins and precision that have become hallmarks of Screaming Eagle.

The 2008 vintage is sometimes overshadowed by more celebrated years, but it is particularly interesting as a powerful Screaming Eagle shaped by unusually low yields.

Then Came the White in 2012

For many years, the identity of Screaming Eagle was built almost entirely around Cabernet Sauvignon.

Then came Sauvignon Blanc.

A very limited quantity of Sauvignon Blanc was released in 2012, with several specialist sources recording production at approximately 50 cases.

Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon itself is produced only in the hundreds of cases each year.

The white wine was made in even smaller quantities.

Christie’s later described Screaming Eagle Sauvignon Blanc 2012 at auction as “EXTREMELY RARE SAUVIGNON BLANC.”

Its interest, however, goes beyond scarcity.

What happens when an estate that built its reputation on Cabernet Sauvignon turns its attention to a white wine from its own Oakville vineyard?

That is what makes the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc particularly compelling.

From a Vineyard of Only Around Two Acres

The grapes for Sauvignon Blanc 2012 came from an exceptionally small parcel within the Screaming Eagle estate.

WineBid has described the wine as coming from approximately two acres of Sauvignon Blanc vines.

While Cabernet Sauvignon established the reputation of Screaming Eagle, the white has always remained a far more discreet part of the estate.

Even the bottles reflect this contrast.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is finished with a deep red capsule, while the Sauvignon Blanc carries a white one.

At the centre of both, however, is the same distinctive eagle label.

Placed side by side, the two bottles reveal two very different sides of the same estate:

the red wine that built the Screaming Eagle name, and the extraordinarily limited white produced alongside it.

The Rare White and the Cabernet That Built the Estate

Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 represents the core of the estate.

Sauvignon Blanc 2012 occupies a much smaller place in its history.

That is precisely why seeing the two together is so interesting.

The story began with Cabernet Sauvignon in 1992, leading Screaming Eagle to become one of Napa Valley’s defining cult wines.

Twenty years later, in 2012, a Sauvignon Blanc was produced in exceptionally small quantities.

Together, these two bottles show a side of Screaming Eagle that cannot be understood simply by calling it an expensive Cabernet Sauvignon.

Screaming Eagle Sauvignon Blanc 2012

California, USA | Napa Valley | Oakville | White Wine | Sauvignon Blanc | 2012 | 750ml

An exceptionally limited Sauvignon Blanc released by Screaming Eagle in 2012. Specialist sources record production at approximately 50 cases.

Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

California, USA | Napa Valley | Oakville | Red Wine | Cabernet Sauvignon-based | 2008 | 750ml

A low-yielding vintage shaped by severe spring frost, the 2008 was highly regarded for its richness, depth and concentration.

Available at IMAMI

IMAMI is a specialist retailer of wine, whisky, sake and other fine spirits, together with Japanese drinking vessels including Edo Kiriko glassware. We introduce each bottle and piece with attention to the craftsmanship, history and culture behind it.

For in-store product availability, please enquire at IMAMI Ginza or IMAMI Shinsaibashi, or contact us.
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