Screaming Eagle : Screaming Eagle White 2020

Characteristics and tasting tips for Screaming Eagle Blanc 2020

Tasting

Color

The color displays an iridescent golden-white hue, almost viscous, reflecting fine concentration.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity. Initial notes evoke white flowers, notably gardenia, alongside fresh citrus and stone fruits such as white peach. With aeration, mineral nuances emerge, lending additional depth to the bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, this white wine charms with its silky, velvety texture, allied to a precise structure. The attack reveals striking intensity with aromas of lemon curd and candied kumquat, supported by a saline minerality reminiscent of wet stone. The palate offers a perfect balance between generous body and lively acidity, maintaining constant tension. The finish, wonderfully long, lingers on notes of spiced pear and sea salt.

Food and wine pairings

Screaming Eagle Blanc 2020 pairs ideally with rich, gourmet preparations. It is a perfect match for sea scallops seared with brown butter and vanilla, lobster Thermidor, or grilled veal chops enhanced with white truffle. Its structure and savory notes create a beautiful harmony with umami-driven dishes.

Serving and cellaring

Screaming Eagle Blanc 2020 is best served between 10 and 13°C. Decanting for 45 minutes before serving allows the aromas to fully express themselves. This wine has exceptional aging potential and can evolve until around 2030, developing notes of toasted brioche, marzipan, and damp granite.

An iconic and rare Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley

The estate

Screaming Eagle was founded in 1986 by Jean Phillips in Oakville, in Napa Valley. Since 2006, the estate has belonged to Stan Kroenke, one of the largest landowners in the United States. The estate spans around 48 hectares of vineyards. Under the direction of winemaker Nick Gislason since 2011, Screaming Eagle embodies the excellence of California wines through an approach that favors elegance and the expression of terroir. The estate is recognized worldwide for its outstanding wines.

The vineyard

Screaming Eagle Blanc 2020 comes from a specific plot of around two acres located within the Oakville estate. This plot stands out for its clay and gravel soils, different from the gravelly terroirs used for the estate’s red wines. Its location in Oakville, in the heart of Napa Valley, benefits from an ideal microclimate with cooling influences from San Pablo Bay. This geographic setting enables optimal ripening of the grapes while preserving freshness and minerality.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage in California was marked by challenging weather conditions, notably due to the wildfires that affected the region. Despite these difficulties, Napa Valley experienced cool temperatures and humidity that complicated ripening. Nevertheless, the Screaming Eagle teams were able to select the best grapes at the optimal moment, making it possible to produce wines of remarkable quality despite the context.

Winemaking and aging

Screaming Eagle Blanc 2020 is crafted with a meticulous approach that favors fruit purity and the expression of terroir. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness. Winemaking is carried out using different types of vessels, notably concrete tanks and French oak barrels, chosen to preserve the wine’s aromatic delicacy. Aging on fine lees, with regular stirring, develops the creamy texture and aromatic complexity characteristic of this cuvée. The aging period lasts around 18 to 20 months.

Grape variety

100% Sauvignon Blanc.