1994 Barnett Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Hill Estate
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Tasting notes
(13.5% alcohol): Very dark red-ruby. Exotic, liqueur-like aromas of raspberry, dark chocolate, coffee and mint. Smooth, syrupy dark berry flavors show good density but the wine's slightly tart-edged acidity clashes with its dusty tannins. Shows a combination of medicinal and somewhat tired notes that I'm not wild about. I'd drink this soon.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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The 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Hill Estate is undeniably the finest Cabernet Barnett Vineyards has produced since their marvelous 1991. The wine has an opaque purple color, as well as an earthy, raspberry liqueur-scented nose that is vibrant and intense. The wild mountain black fruit quality so common in the top wines of Spring Mountain comes across on the palate of this immensely impressive, explosively rich, super-extracted wine. Patience, however, is required as the tannin is high, and most of the wine's character and richness are in the explosive finish as opposed to its attack. This should turn out to be an exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon, but only for the true connoisseur who is willing to invest in 5-7 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2030. Wow! Tel. (707) 963-0109