Benchmark Wine Cellar
Barnett Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Hill 2014
The Winery
Barnett Vineyards
Barnett Vineyards was founded by Fiona and Hal Barnett after purchasing a 40 acre parcel of land atop Spring Mountain in 1983. The producer focused on releasing single-vineyard Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, and in 1989 they released 232 cases of their inaugural vintage. Today the winery produces nearly 6,000 cases, has acquired more land, and has added single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc to their portfolio. Due to the steep nature of the original Spring Mountain vineyards being a challenging 35º, they are predominantly planted in terraces and harvest must be carried out by hand. Each block of the vineyards are fermented separately to showcase the varying individuality of their land. With the help of current Winemaker and General Manager David Tate, Fiona and Hal Barnett are still able to remain involved with the daily operations of Barnett Vineyards and its tasting room.
Summary
The Barnett Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Hill 2014 is a flagship wine from the Spring Mountain District in Napa Valley, sourced from a steep, terraced site at high elevation. This vintage, characterized by an early drought, produced low-yield berries that result in a concentrated flavor profile. The wine exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue and offers rich notes of wild berries, cassis, and earthy undertones. Its full-bodied structure is complemented by well-integrated tannins, providing an elegant yet powerful experience. Aged for approximately 22 months in mostly new French oak, this wine is built for longevity, promising a remarkable drinking experience for years to come.
Tasting Notes
- WS92
- Distinctive, offering rich blueberry and wild berry notes. The firm, well-integrated tannins let the flavors seep through, leading to an engaging finish that echoes the core fruit. Drink now through 2028.
- WA95+
- The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake is their reserve wine and has been called this since 1991, no doubt because of the number of rattlesnakes that populated the property. It is usually their greatest wine, when they declare it. They only made 69 cases in 2014, so this is a tough one to find. The color is opaque ruby/purple and the wine has a few extra gears in it, with plenty of blueberry, cassis, forest floor and white flowers, followed by a full-bodied, beautifully built style of wine. This wine goes on and on – it is incredible rich, but with no defects or hard edges. A full-bodied, lush, elegant, yet powerful wine, this is a classic Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 20+ years.
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