Barnett Vineyards Rattlesnake Cabernet, Spring Mountain, Napa Valley 2016

The color is opaque and near black at the core. Pure cassis transforms to blackberry and acai berries on the nose. Menthol, cedar and cocoa nibs are followed by a light wet volcanic rock minerality. On entry the wine is silky and plush. The palate has big dark berry fruit and concentrated cocoa elements. A myriad of spices follow. The tannins are pure chalk but balanced with the visocity and the mountain acidity. The long cassis finish caps off this phenomenal vintage. Rattlesnake is the single vineyard surrounging the estate - named because when they cleared the property to plant vines - they found 16 rattlesnakes.