Intense blackberry and blueberry aromas with hints of fresh mushrooms. Black truffles, too. Full-bodied, tight and chewy with polished and velvety tannins. Long and muscular finish. Energetic. December 2016 availability. Needs four to five years to soften but it's impressive now.James Suckling | 97 JSVery deep purple-black, the 2014 Second Flight (composed of 57% Merlot and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon with no Cabernet Franc) is a little closed at this youthful stage, offering glimpses of blueberry compote, blackberry pie and cassis notions with touches of garrigue, bay leaves, black truffles, rose hips and underbrush plus a hint of wood smoke. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers wonderful freshness, with very firm, very finely grained tannins and layers of vibrant black fruits, finishing on a profound minerally note. With this vintage, we can see something of a stylistic departure, offering an expression of Merlot that is bright, refreshing, elegant and perfumed, and it is perhaps more similar to Screaming Eagle in terms of style than it has ever been. Beautiful!Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 96 RPSecond Flight, which began life as Screaming Eagle's second wine, is evolving into an entirely different cuvée dominated by Merlot and mostly drawn from the eastern band of the property which tends to produce the most floral, elegant wines. A superb and expressive bouquet of high-toned black fruit, violet, blood orange and mint is the prelude to a rich, full-bodied palate with a lovely core of primary fruit, a savoury chassis of powdery tannins, and a bright line of balancing acidity. Drinking Window 2020 - 2035Decanter | 95 DECThe 2014 Second Flight is similar to the 2012 with its silky, plush, elegant style. A blend of mostly Merlot with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it offers terrific notes of cassis and cherry fruits, with lots of spice, sandalwood, and dried earth/flower nuances developing with time in the glass. It’s beautifully balanced, has plenty of power and richness, and a seamless texture. It’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years.Jeb Dunnuck | 95 JDThe 2014 Second Flight is bright and precise, with expressive aromatics, finely sculpted fruit and fabulous overall balance. The flavor profile is more red fruit-leaning than the 2013, with more of the typical pomegranate, sweet red plum and exotic spice components coming through. Tasted from a pre-blend, the 2014 is shaping up to be a gorgeous wine very much in the nuanced style of the year.Vinous Media | 95 VM
