Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction
Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon, a crown jewel of Napa Valley’s Rutherford appellation, marries cinematic history with viticultural excellence. Born from the historic J.J. Cohn Estate—once owned by MGM executive Joseph Judson Cohn—the vineyard gained fame as the filming site for The Wizard of Oz’s cornfield scene. Rebranded as Scarecrow in 2003 by Bret Lopez, its debut 2003 vintage earned a perfect 100 points from Robert Parker, cementing cult status. With annual production under 500 cases, Scarecrow combines old-vine heritage with modern precision, commanding $800–$1,500 per bottle. This article explores its legacy, craftsmanship, and answers top questions about taste, access, and investment.

 

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What Is Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon?

Scarecrow is a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford’s 84-acre estate, featuring vines planted in 1945 by Inglenook’s John Daniel Jr. Winemaker Celia Welch crafts a bold yet elegant wine, blending Cabernet Sauvignon (95–98%) with touches of Petit Verdot. Aged 20–22 months in French oak (80% new), it offers layers of blackberry, cassis, violets, and graphite. The 2015 vintage (100 pts) epitomizes its balance of power and finesse. Sold via a confidential mailing list, bottles rarely reach retail, with secondary markets fetching $2,000+.Asecondwine,\ast Toto’sOpium\ast ,providesamoreaccessibleentry($300–$500).

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Key Features of Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon

1. Historic Vineyard: Pre-phylloxera rootstocks from 1945.

2. Minimalist Winemaking: Native yeast fermentation, no fining/filtration.

3. Critic Darling: Consistent 95–100 point scores.

4. Ultra-Limited: 300–500 cases annually.

5. Cinematic Legacy: Ties to The Wizard of Oz and Hollywood lore.

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People Also Ask: Top Questions About Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon

1. Why Is Scarecrow So Expensive?

Scarcity and acclaim drive prices. Tiny production, perfect scores, and billionaire collectors inflate demand. The 2003 vintage sold for $5,000+ at auction.

2. How Does It Compare to Screaming Eagle?

Both are Napa cult icons, but Scarecrow’s Rutherford terroir emphasizes silky tannins and red fruit, while Screaming Eagle (Oakville) is denser and darker. Scarecrow’s old vines add unique complexity.

3. Where Can I Buy Scarecrow?

Access requires joining the mailing list (decades-long wait). Auctions (Sotheby’s, WineBid) or retailers like Benchmark Wine Group offer bottles at 2–3x retail prices.

4. What Does Scarecrow Taste Like?

Young vintages: Black cherry, plum, and lavender. Aged examples (15+ years): Truffle, tobacco, and forest floor. The 2013 vintage (100 pts) is praised for its “liquid cashmere” texture.

5. Is Scarecrow a Good Investment?

Yes. Auction prices rise ~10% annually. The 2007 vintage jumped from $800to$2,500+ in a decade. Ensure provenance to avoid counterfeits.

6. How Much Wine Is Produced Yearly?

300–500 cases of Scarecrow, plus ~200 cases of Toto’s Opium. Drought or frost can reduce output.

7. What Awards Has It Won?

Perfect scores from Robert Parker (2003, 2007, 2013) and Jeb Dunnuck (2016). Wine Spectator’s Top 10 Wines (2015, 2018).

8. Can I Visit the Vineyard?

No. Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon avoids public visits to protect its heritage vines. Allocation members receive exclusive virtual tastings.

9. What’s the Story Behind the Name?

Bret Lopez named it after the Wizard of Oz scarecrow, honoring the vineyard’s role in the film. Labels feature imagery from the movie.

10. Are Other Grapes Grown Here?

Yes. The estate grows Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot for blending, plus a tiny plot of Riesling for experimental batches.

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Conclusion

Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a bridge between Hollywood glamour and Napa’s winemaking prowess. Its old-vine depth, critical acclaim, and cinematic mystique make it a holy grail for collectors, though its exclusivity and price render it a fantasy for most. Climate challenges and counterfeit risks persist, yet its legacy as a Rutherford pioneer endures. For those lucky enough to taste it, Scarecrow offers a narrative in every sip—a blend of history, earth, and artistry. Whether as an heirloom investment or a fleeting indulgence, it remains a testament to the magic of Napa Valley.