The 2004, which is nearly 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, with tiny quantities of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, is an up-front style of wine. There were originally around 800 cases of this wine, but Banks and his crew culled out in excess of 200 or so cases, so the quantity produced is approximately 500. The wine has a dark ruby/purple color and a sweet cassis nose with some licorice and very subtle camphor and earth. The wine is exceptionally pure, beautifully textured, opulent, and forward, which is very much in keeping with the style of this vintage. It can be drunk now or cellared for 15 or more years. Of course, all of these wines are still sold via their mailing list and even with the pricing up to a whopping $500 a bottle, there seems to be no shortage of demand.

The 2004 Screaming Eagle does not reveal the depth of the 2003 or the nearly perfect 2002. It is a more streamlined, delicate, subtle blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% Merlot, and 1.5% Cabernet Franc. Deep ruby/purple-colored (but not as opaque as the 2003 or 2002), it exhibits a pretty nose of black currants intermixed with subtle soil, vanilla, and graphite aromas. Medium-bodied and elegant with soft tannin, it will be drinkable young yet promises to age for 10-12 years. (Release date 2007) Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271