Winemaker Notes
The color of the 2019 Rattlesnake is near black. The nose is powerful, a myriad of flavor abound from the glass; blackberries, vanilla beans, crushed violets, toffee, anise, dark roast coffee, cocoa and much more. Under these bigger aromatics there is amazing volcanic minerality. The full viscosity of the wine causes a velvety sensation in the mouth. More dark fruit springs forth on the palate surrounded by dark chocolate and caramel. The tannins are very chalky and firm, more serious tan previous vintages. The acidity is balancing and reserved, for Spring Mountain.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake charges out of the gate with bold notions of crème de cassis, plum preserves and juicy blueberries, plus hints of Indian spices, cedar and camphor. Full-bodied, rich, expressive and spicy in the mouth, it has velvety tannins and bright acidity, finishing with epic length.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Above the town of St. Helena on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains sits the Spring Mountain District.
A dynamic region, its vineyards, cut by numerous springs and streams, vary in elevation, slope and aspect. Soils differ throughout with over 20 distinct types inside of the 8,600 acres that define the appellation. Within that area, only about 1,000 are planted to vineyards. Predominantly farmed by small, independent producers, the region currently has just over 30 wineries.
During the growing season, late afternoon Pacific Ocean breezes reach the Spring Mountain vineyards, which sit at between 400 and 1,200 feet. Daytime temperatures during mid summer and early fall remain slightly cooler than those of the valley floor.
Spring Mountain soils—volcanic matter and sedimentary rock—create intense but balanced reds with lush and delicate tannins. The area excels with Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot and in some cooler spots, Chardonnay.