Look at Robert Parker’s recent scores
for Napa Valley (mainly the 2010, 2011 and 2012 vintages) in the latest edition
of The Wine Advocate and it is immediately striking how many wines receive 100
points. Ten of these are 2010s, a “long-lived” vintage where “many of the wines
have turned out to be brilliant”, despite a cold year and late harvest.
Screaming Eagle, arguably one of the most illustrious
wines produced in the Napa Valley, is among the top scorers. Parker
labels the 2010 “utter perfection”, with “a staggering bouquet of spring
flowers, graphite, creme de cassis, kirsch, licorice and subtle toast in the
background”. Of Screaming Eagle’s last
ten vintages, the 2007 is the only other wine to have a perfect score – and with
a market price of £26,000, it is £10,000 more expensive than the 2010.
Parker’s full scores can be seen on erobertparker.com.
