The newly-released 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals lots of structure an opaque purple color and the hallmark blackberry and cassis liqueur-like notes. Silky-textured fabulously-concentrated and gorgeously-balanced it has every component part - acidity alcohol tannin and extract - flawlessly presented. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020.

Sharply defined this hits all the right notes with ripe supple seductive and detailed plum berry cherry floral and spice flavors woven together. Picks up mineral cedar tar and anise on the long elegant finish. Best from 2001 through 2010. 500 cases made. -JL

Mid crimson. Very sweet brushwood and very ripe sweet fruit on the nose. A completely different idiom from the red bordeaux I have just been tasting, but good balance and certainly not too heavy or alcoholic. A certain fragrance and gentle appeal. Great kick of super-clean fruit on the finish. This would be difficult to place blind, I would have thought, since it has so much more elegance than most Napa Valley Cabernets. It is still very much alive. In fact, it's still quite tight. Vindication of this property's relatively subtle style. 18/20

Not really where you would expect this to be, for a wine of this much fame, and fortune. The smoky, sweet, blackberry and cherry nose, medium body and elegant, finesse styled, even charming finish were clearly that of a good wine. But for this much money, a wine should be more than good. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=1996&wine=Screaming%20Eagle%20Cabernet%20Sauvignon Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=1996&wine=Screaming%20Eagle%20Cabernet%20Sauvignon