When TRB started this label, I thought a primarily Cabernet Winemaker is going to make Pinot Noir? I wondered how his first vintage would be and while it wasn’t bad by any means, it wasn’t what this 2014 Silver Eagle is at this point. TRB has/is honed/honing his craft. This 2014 will likely continue to improve a bit going forward over the next three years for sure & maybe five. This 14 Silver Eagle is definitely hitting its stride. The nose shows the blue & purple fruits I enjoy on the Pinots I prefer to drink.
The nose reveals nicely ripe blackberries, black raspberries, plum, baked cherries & strawberries, blueberries, mulberries, dry cranberry & raspberries hues on the glass edges. Mid berry cola/licorice, soft baking spices-clove, some nutmeg & vanillin, dark, Asian/Indian spice mix, light mix of fresh & dry herbs, dark rich soil w/ dry leaves, limestone, dry top soil with fresh & withering dark, red, blue florals framed in a fresh violet field.
The palate shows good mouthfeel & wire to wire consistency. Juicy, ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, plum, baked cherries & strawberries, blueberry & mulberry tones, pomegranate, cranberry & raspberries hues. Mid berry cola/licorice, soft baking spices-clove, some nutmeg & vanillin, warm caramel, toast, steeped fruit tea, dark, Asian/Indian spice mix with deep palate penetration & heat, light mix of fresh & dry herbs, dark rich soil w/ dry leaves, dry brush, sandalwood, grey volcanics. wet clay, sandstone & limestone powder, dry top soil with fresh & withering dark, red, blue florals framed in a fresh violet field. The acidity is excellent with a long, elegant, well; balanced, tensioned & structured finish that lasts minutes and lands nicely on dark spice as it sets.
I really enjoy this vineyard and some of the Winemakers that make Pinot from it.
Plenty of life left in this one. 8-10 years well stored.
Photos of, Rivers-Marie facility (2), Owner/Winemaker-Thomas Rivers Brown & beautiful prime Pinot clusters ready for harvest. — 3 months ago
Excellent wine for the price. Almost has a sutle Merlot taste but without the oaky finish. — 3 days ago
Black cherry, vanilla, raspberry preserves, cassia, eucalyptus and oak. Full-bodied and velvety tannins. — 3 months ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. No formal notes. The 2006 “Amber Knolls Vineyard” blows the mind. Yes, I know, it’s made by Schrader but this humble Lake County designation was meant to be enjoyed early while one allowed the more significant Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon’s mature. Yet here we are, thoroughly enjoying this 18 years from vintage. Fruit not only hanging on; dare I say this is still developing? Structure is sound. Drink now through 2030. Very impressive. — 6 months ago
Very smooth finish — 18 days ago
drinks above price point former screaming eagle vintner — 15 days ago
Very strong vanilla, then caramel and fruity sweetness. — 3 months ago
2014, Screaming Eagle 2nd Label is a treat for sure. Color is a semi murky garnet purple. Nose - dark fruits, meaty, herbaceous menthol with floral notes, truffle, and a subtle vanilla kick at the end. Taste - black cherry and plum dominate. Concentrated and well structured, smooth and mouth coating giving it its elegant appeal. Secondary notes of mocha java, black pepper and a cedar graphite adding to its medium plus finish. — 5 months ago
Ed Chin
It just seemed slightly off for some reason. — 17 days ago