2023 Screaming Eagle The Flight Napa Valley

Screaming Eagle stands as one of Napa Valley's most sought-after estates. Founded by Jean Phillips in 1986 on a historic Oakville vineyard, the property gained immediate cult status when its 1992 debut earned 99 points from Robert Parker — only 200 cases existed.

Today, under sole ownership of Stan Kroenke and guided by winemaker Nick Gislason since 2011, the estate continues to define what Napa Cabernet can achieve at the highest level.

The Flight was created as a sister wine to the flagship, made from younger vines within the same prestigious Oakville appellation.

Originally named Second Flight, it was renamed simply The Flight in 2015 to signal a companion rather than a second-tier production. While the flagship is Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, The Flight leads with Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Annual production ranges between 550 and 850 cases — a fraction of what collectors want, priced at two to three times less than the flagship.

Jeb Dunnuck calls the 2023 the best vintage of this cuvee he has tasted at the estate (98 points) and one of the finest Merlots he has tasted from Napa; Decanter's Jonathan Cristaldi rates it 99 and calls it dynamite. Red rose, violet, black cherry and cassis lift from the glass over cedar, earth and chalky minerality.

The palate is layered and pure, with plum, fleshy cherry and pomegranate carried on dense, velvety tannins and a thread of dark cocoa. Both critics place the window at 2025-2026 through 2050.