Barnett Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake 2021, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California

Rattlesnake hill is a small rocky knoll on the estate, located at 2050 ft elevation on Spring Mountain. The hill’s position allows optimal sun exposure while being above the fog line. All small lots are kept separated. The small lots are examined for complexity, intensity, and power, to match the hill. Only these small estate lots that are deserving come together to form the proprietary top tier, Rattlesnake. When harvested, the small estate lots were cold soaked for 2-3 days, fermented in small bins and tanks, and punched down or pumped over 2 to 3 times a day. The maceration times were 17 to 18 days. A little longer on average due to the looser skins. Once fermentation was complete the wine was pressed off into 90% new French oak barrels for aging. The wine has been racked three times during its near two-year maturation time in the cellar. Tasting notes: The color of the 2021 Rattlesnake is near opaque purple. The nose is very intense, with blackberry pie, caramel, dark roast coffee, cola, and raspberry reduction pouring out of the glass. Under these intense aromatics hides some volcanic minerality and crushed violets. The wine is ultra rich, plush, and powerful on the palate. Darker fruit comes out, mostly reduced cassis matched by intense dark chocolate. The tannins are big, chalky, and matched by the famous Spring Mountain acidity. Dark chocolate covered cherries linger on the finish. This is an intense powerful wine that is barely starting to show the myriad of flavors it has to offer 19-20 years.