While only accounts for 4% of the U.S.’s wine production, Napa Valley is home to some of the most luxurious, legendary wines known globally, including Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle.
Considering the long queue of wine lovers trying to get a hand on any bottle from these wineries, which line should you be in? If you’re still clueless about what to pick, this article will guide you in choosing the perfect one for your collection.
Harlan Estate as a Napa Valley Wine Legend
Bill Harlan founded Harlan Estate in 1984 to produce the state’s “first growth” from the hill. The vision is clear from the start: Harlan aims to create a bottle of wine that can be at par with Bordeaux’s Cabernet Sauvignon while showcasing Napa Valley’s rich and unique terroir.
The brand’s vision becomes a reality instantly, as many critics and collectors acclaim it for its full-bodied, intense, and complex wines, and even its other classic labels like BOND wines gain recognition.
Harlan Estate’s Sauvignon-driven blends consist of rich layers of berries and cassis, with a perfect mix of earthy tones like leather, tobacco, and graphite.
These flavours, however, come not only from the terroir’s quality but also from the intricacies of Harlan’s winemaking process, which includes hand-harvesting the fruits used for the wine and carefully sorting to ensure quality.
It takes years, including 24-36 months of the aging process, before Harlan Estate wines are released in the market. A bottle usually costs around $1000-1500, and they are only available through select wine sellers.
Screaming Eagle and Its Cult Status in Napa Valley
The Screaming Eagle is considered one of the pioneers of the “cult wine” industry because of its glowing reviews, exclusivity, expensiveness, and top-tier quality. The winery was founded by Jean Phillips in 1986.
Since then, Screaming Eagle has gradually risen to fame after participating in local competitions, where more people discovered its exceptional quality.
This Oakville-based winery produces the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignons, not just in the country but globally. Even with a high price tag, collectors and wine lovers are still eager to get on their waitlist to experience the perfect, balanced flavour of power and elegance.
Most bottles, like the 2016 Screaming Eagle and 2012 Screaming Eagle, possess a vibrant bouquet of lavender and blackcurrant. They are full-bodied reds with incredible depth and length that improve with time.
Depending on the year, Screaming Eagle’s prices start at $8000. This is due to limited production, only releasing a few hundred cases per year, making Screaming Eagle one of the rarest wines on the market.
Comparing Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle Wines
| Feature | Harlan Estate | Screaming Eagle |
| Primary Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon (Bordeaux-inspired blends) | Cabernet Sauvignon (Dominant on single variant) |
| Taste Profile | Rich, complex, with dark fruit and spice notes | Elegant, pure, with vibrant fruit and floral notes |
| Price Range | $2000-3000 | $6000-9000 |
| Rating | JS97 – JS100 | JS99 – JS100 |
| Collector’s Value | High, with increasing demand over time | Extremely high due to rarity |
How to Choose Between Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle
Besides the high collector’s values of the two wines, your preference should always come first when choosing between Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle, whether for your collection or special occasion.
Harlan Estate offers luxury, structure, Bordeaux blends, and multi-layered flavours while Screaming Eagle is more for people who want more finesse, purity, and exclusivity.
Food pairings are also something you want to consider. If you’re into hearty dishes like grilled lamb chops or braised short ribs, Harlan Estate pairs beautifully with them. Screaming Eagle, on the other hand, complements well with dishes like duck confit or filet mignon.
How to Choose Between Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle
Besides the high collector’s values of the two wines, your preference should always come first when choosing between Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle, whether for your collection or special occasion.
Harlan Estate offers luxury, structure, Bordeaux blends, and multi-layered flavours while Screaming Eagle is more for people who want more finesse, purity, and exclusivity.
Food pairings are also something you want to consider. If you’re into hearty dishes like grilled lamb chops or braised short ribs, Harlan Estate pairs beautifully with them. Screaming Eagle, on the other hand, complements well with dishes like duck confit or filet mignon.
