95+ Points - limited One of highest-scoring Cabernets of the stellar 2014 vintage - limited. 95+ Points Robert Parker: "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.." Barnett Vineyards is located off of the narrow windy Spring Mountain Road which connects Napa and Sonoma Counties – about 1.5 miles in. This is a small estate winery (founded in 1983 by Hal & Fiona Barnett) located on very steep hillsides with slopes up to 35%! Their original intent was never to build a winery but rather to have a weekend private getaway location from San Francisco. For a fairly small production they make a wide variety of wines – as of our latest visit, 11 different wines are made here. They are strong believers in unique terroir sites and will source fruit from a variety of locations (not necessarily within Napa) based on where specific varietals grow best.
John Riddick
This is everything you could want in a Spring Mountain Cabernet! Rich, refined tannins, great baking spice note, good underlying mineral character. The alcohol is a touch high.
This is everything you could want in a Spring Mountain Cabernet! Rich, refined tannins, great baking spice note, good underlying mineral character. The alcohol is a touch high.
9.4Shawn R
Much improved since the last time I visited this. Rich and dense mountain fruit.
Much improved since the last time I visited this. Rich and dense mountain fruit.
9.4Shawn R
Supple and ripe.
Supple and ripe.
9.2Michael Mathews
Holy smokes. Massive, sexy wine. This is just absolutely decadent. Indulging, but why not?
Holy smokes. Massive, sexy wine. This is just absolutely decadent. Indulging, but why not?
9.7Shay A
Attending the Côtes du Coeur in Dallas. Was asked to be a brand ambassador for Montagu Wines, so I get to pour this weekend! Last night was the grand tasting...out of 18 or so wineries, two really stood out. This was so freaking good. I know @Shawn R is a big fan of their stuff and this was my first time trying anything from Barnett (need to try their cab franc). This and the Macauley To Kalon were neck and neck for WOTN. Velvety in texture. Pure toasted oak, vanilla, black and blueberry pie. Superb balance.
Attending the Côtes du Coeur in Dallas. Was asked to be a brand ambassador for Montagu Wines, so I get to pour this weekend! Last night was the grand tasting...out of 18 or so wineries, two really stood out. This was so freaking good. I know @Shawn R is a big fan of their stuff and this was my first time trying anything from Barnett (need to try their cab franc). This and the Macauley To Kalon were neck and neck for WOTN. Velvety in texture. Pure toasted oak, vanilla, black and blueberry pie. Superb balance.
9.6Ivan Wolpert
Steak dinner with Dana et Al. Too jammy but fine.
Steak dinner with Dana et Al. Too jammy but fine.
8.6Michael McConnell
Amazing! Best quarantine ever! Great wine with the perfect tasting companion.
Amazing! Best quarantine ever! Great wine with the perfect tasting companion.
10Tanya Brown
Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays
9.8Nino Cardinale
Big red. Long ageing potential. Intense red fruit on the nose, a lot of almost sweet secondary aromas from oak on the palate. Needs to be paired with a meat sauce pasta or very succulent dishes. High tannins, very integrated.
Big red. Long ageing potential. Intense red fruit on the nose, a lot of almost sweet secondary aromas from oak on the palate. Needs to be paired with a meat sauce pasta or very succulent dishes. High tannins, very integrated.
8.5Mike Mayer
Beautifully deep color with amazing aromatics of dried flowers, cedar and spices. A predictably full bodied hillside wine with tastes of chocolate covered cherries, licorice, currants and cedar that is silky smooth, elegant and complex. I love it.
Beautifully deep color with amazing aromatics of dried flowers, cedar and spices. A predictably full bodied hillside wine with tastes of chocolate covered cherries, licorice, currants and cedar that is silky smooth, elegant and complex. I love it.
9.4WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.