New Years Eve 2008
It's New Year's Eve, you gotta go big, right? We had an assortment of Champagnes. The finest of which was-
R.H. Coutier, Grand Cru, NV
and then we went for the gusto.
Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 1998
The short story is, it's not worth the price tag. However, it is a phenomenal bottle of wine. 1998 is "off-vintage" by most critics assessment, however, I've found that they are drinking beautifully right now and much better than most 1997s that I've had (which was a vintage that the critics loved).
While this isn't the best vintage ever produced by Screagle, it shows all the same hallmark character that the winery is known for. Tremendous density and plushness, without the Port-like overripness that Harlan showcases. It honestly reminded me of Lafite-Rothshchild in a warm vintage. It was showing at its finest about 4-5 hours after being opened. For all its massiveness, it was incredibly delicate and light-footed. The flavor profile was a smorgasbord of black fruits and cream with a penatrating and lengthy finish.
I loved this wine. It's very hard to justify such a extraodinary price tag, but there is no denying the greatness of this producer. I've previously only had the 2002 vintage, which was equally compelling and perhaps even more nuanced. I wish I could drink it more frequently.
With all the changes happening at the winery (new ownership and winemaker) it'll be interesting to see how the new vintages differ. I doubt that they would let quality suffer, but I certainly hope that they continue to produce the same house style that they established the brand with. It's like Van Hallen with Sammy Haggar, sure, it's familiar and you're still going to sing along, but it's just not same as David Lee Roth. You know what I'm saying?
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