Screaming Eagle - Second Flight 2013

97 JAMES SUCKLING: "Very bright and aromatic with dark purple fruits on the nose. Mint, floral and vine bark. Spearmint. Full body, very firm tannins, wonderful savoriness. Flavorful finish. A fabulous mouthfeel. Very, very long. Mostly merlot with cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. Drink or hold. 710 cases made." 96+ THE WINEADVOCATE: "Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Second Flight simply sings of spiced blueberries, black forest cake and preserved plums with suggestions of star anise, baker’s chocolate, fertile loam and dried Provence herbs with a hint of lavender. Big, concentrated, full-bodied and packed to the gills with black fruits, exotic spice and floral layers, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with epic length and loads of layers. Still very taut, it needs at least another 2-3 years in bottle. Interestingly, this full-on hedonistic vintage has one of the largest Merlot contributions ever for this wine: 65% Merlot with 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Cabernet Franc." 95 ANTONIO GALLONI: "The 2013 Second Flight is dark, powerful and incisive, with layers of graphite-infused minerality that are pushed forward. This is perhaps the most intense, brooding Second Flight I have tasted so far. Unctuous and deep to the core, the 2013 possesses magnificent concentration to match its spherical texture. Lavender, rose petal, mint and a host of savory notes wrap around the deep, somber finish. What a gorgeous wine the 2013 is shaping up to be. This is a total knock-out from the team at Screaming Eagle."