Barnett Rattlesnake Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, 2017

Overview of the Wine

Barnett Vineyards is located at the top of Spring Mountain with spectacular views of the Napa Valley 1700' below. Founded in 1983 by Fiona and Hal Barnett, this rocky mountainside is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon and the blending varietals of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. In 1984, the first vines were planted in terraced rows with total plantings numbering fourteen acres by 1988. The vines yield an average of less than two tons of fruit per acre resulting in rich, intense wines that have become synonymous with the Barnett name.

Grape / Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin

Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California

Winemaker Tasting Notes

The 2017 Rattlesnake is opaque purple at the core with a dark purple rim. At this very young stage, the nose is expressing pure cassis concentrate, black plum, ground cocoa nib, and anise. Numerous spices start to emerge from the glass; clove, pepper, and bright cinnamon. Every return to the glass brings a new round of descriptors. Round upon entrance, the wine is very quick to the big chalky tannins at this stage. Coffee grounds, cooking chocolate, and dark volcanic minerality dominate the palate. The tannins are certainly young and firm, chalky but very present, while mountain acidity comes in for balance. This is one of the biggest Rattlesnake Cabernets we have ever made, where at 18-19 years it will start to show a beautiful bottle bouquet and still have some youthful fruit.

94 Points -Jeb Dunnuck
Easily the standout in the lineup, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake is all Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate on Spring Mountain. It has a wonderful bouquet of crème de cassis, spring flowers, lead pencil, and damp earth. This gives way to a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that has a terrific sense of purity, nicely integrated acidity, fine tannins, and beautiful balance. It will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age (it's far from unapproachable today) and keep for 15-20 years.

Product size: 750ml