Barnett Vineyards

Barnett Vineyards – Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley

High-altitude Napa Cabernet from steep mountain vineyards—small production, precision, and power with restraint.

Overview

Barnett Vineyards is a small, family-owned estate founded in 1983 by Hal and Fiona Barnett, located high on Spring Mountain in Napa Valley. The vineyards sit at elevations reaching around 2,000 feet, with steep slopes of up to 35%, contributing to naturally low yields and concentrated fruit. The estate focuses on small-lot, handcrafted wines that express the mountain terroir with structure and complexity.

Winemaking has been shaped by a strong focus on site and precision. Long-time winemaker David Tate, who joined in 2007 after working at Ridge Vineyards, brought a refined, terroir-driven approach that emphasizes balance alongside the natural intensity of Spring Mountain fruit.

The Wines

Barnett’s portfolio is focused on structured reds from Spring Mountain, complemented by a small production Chardonnay sourced from Carneros.

Cabernet Sauvignon
The core of the estate, combining mountain structure with depth and freshness, showing firm tannins and long ageing potential.

Rattlesnake Cabernet Sauvignon
The flagship reserve wine, produced in very limited quantities and named after the 33 rattlesnakes found when clearing the vineyard site. A powerful, concentrated expression of Spring Mountain Cabernet.

Merlot
A structured and serious Merlot reflecting the cooler mountain conditions, with depth and ageing potential rather than soft, early-drinking style.

Chardonnay (Sangiacomo Vineyard, Carneros)
A more limited-production white, offering a balanced contrast to the estate’s mountain reds.