Screaming Eagle Second Flights Wine

The magic zone of the Napa Valley is just south of the Oakville Crossroads, and sitting at the heart of this loamy terroir is the small-batch vineyard Screaming Eagle, which has soared to become one of the world’s great wine producers. They’re best known for a masculine, deep, tannin-forward cabernet sauvignon — the 2008 is fetching prices of more than $1,500 per bottle at auction, and the 1997 goes for three times that, if you’re lucky enough to even find it. But take a moment to consider Screaming Eagle second flights. These are wines normally blended from “seconds,” the leftover fruit or wine that for one reason or another wasn’t included in the grand cuvée. Generally, they’re considered inferior. But these winemakers have proved the blended wines, which include merlot with the cabernet, can be just as outstanding, even if of a completely different character — less cassis, more licorice; less afternoon tea, more berries and oak. Until recently, these have only been made available to members of the vineyard’s exclusive wine club. Certain years have begun to stand out, especially the 2007, 2011, and 2012, and if you happen upon a bottle, it’s well worth snatching up if only to savor, later, for a particularly special occasion.