2012 Barnett Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Hill Estate
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The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Hill is the darkest and most powerful of these wines. Smoke, licorice, menthol and new leather wrap around a core of fleshy, supple fruit, all supported by firm yet nicely balanced tannins. Blackberry jam, mint, tar, violets and cloves add an element of gravitas as the wine opens up in the glass. The Rattlesnake will drink well early, but it also has more than enough depth to age gracefully for a number of years.
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Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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From a first-growth site, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake (essentially their Reserve offering) is made from a blend of the finest lots. This wine may turn out to be one of their all-time greats. A sensational Cabernet, it boasts an opaque purple color, plenty of the mountain blueberry and wild flower aromas, rich blackberry, blueberry and cassis fruit, terrific acidity for this degree of ripeness and power, and an amazingly textured, long mouthfeel. The finish lasts for 40+ seconds. This exquisite, brilliant Napa Cabernet Sauvignon demonstrates what exceptional elegance can be achieved allied to formidable richness and power. While I could drink it now, most observers will enjoy it after a few years of cellaring. It should provide plenty of pleasure over the next two decades.