The 2011 Screaming Eagle Second Flight is described by wine critics as one of elegance and extraordinary beauty, and I agree.
As the vineyard and winemaking team watched the cool pattern of 2011 take hold, we began to acknowledge that it was going to be a Merlot year. Shortly after harvesting; as we tasted the wines in tanks, we knew we had captured something truly special, something that we are pleased to make available to you today.
When we started Second Flight, it was to create the most distinctive and delectable wine from our top lots of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Six vintages later, we’ve tasted each vintage’s evolution; Second Flight has all the markers that highlight complexity, elegance and aging potential. Second Flight 2011 could very well be our best to date; it is worth acquiring and aging in your cellar. As with the past vintages, high demand requires quick
action, need I say more?
I don’t think so. The second flight is first come first serve. I didn’t buy the second flight last year but was offered the regular bottling after that and was just offered the second fight again. I will probably pass on the second flight this go around, largely because of the vintage. I kind of wish I had bought the 2010 second flight, and will seriously consider buying the 2012.
We should all be able to buy what we want without being criticized, even if it’s that nasty old Brunello. But can someone explain the allure of a $300 bottle of wine made from young vines and declassified fruit? Is it because it’s a baby Screagle, and we all know that babies are irresistible?
I am fairly confident that $300 per has something to do with the fact that it has an Eagle on the bottle. But I could also name a ton of “brand name” items wine or otherwise that command much higher prices than others of similar quality based on the demand.
That said (price aside), I have opened a few Second Flights (different vintages) and they are delicious with a ton more potential if they sleep a little longer.
It just seems like a purchase similar to buying a $500 pair of sunglasses: You know Ron White was right asking why sunglasses have to cost more than a flat panel TV, but you just have to have them.
My order was placed. I imagine the bottles will be a little more limited based on the smaller yields from 2011. Not sure how many cases produced though.
Man… I would never EVER buy 2nd flight for $300 per bottle, but I own several pairs of sunglasses that cost me more than $500 each. I’m so torn… But not squinty.
