2017 Barnett Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon PNV Auction 23/91 Rattlesnake Blend
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake is inky and unctuous in the glass. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, chocolate, spice, licorice and menthol are all given a few extra notches of intensity in a decidedly rich, opulent Cabernet that will drink well pretty much right out of the gate. There is certainly plenty to like.
Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake opens with baked blueberries, prunes and blackcurrant pastilles with hints of raisin bread, balsamic and bay leaves. Full-bodied, the texture is a little hard and the acid a tad tart, while the dried berry flavors contribute to the rusticity to the finish.