Barnett 2021 Spring Mt. Cabernet

The 2021 Barnett Cabernet Sauvignon from Spring Mountain is a masterclass in what a balanced vintage can offer. After the tragic losses of 2020 due to the Glass Fire, this 2021 release is a testament to resilience and precision winemaking. The growing season started with a warm spring that led into a blistering summer, but it was the cooling temperatures in the fall that allowed for extended hang time, leading to the development of thicker skins and deeply concentrated flavors. This Cabernet embodies the distinct Spring Mountain terroir, where altitude, microclimates, and unique soil composition come together to create a wine of remarkable complexity and structure.

The fruit for this vintage was meticulously sourced from Barnett's estate and the famed York Creek Vineyards, with all components hailing exclusively from the Spring Mountain appellation. This level of control, combined with estate stewardship, allowed for a precise and methodical harvest. Petit Verdot was picked first, bringing structure and aromatic complexity to the blend. The Cabernet Sauvignon followed, harvested in stages as each block reached optimal ripeness. The wine underwent a careful maceration process, lasting under 17 days, followed by aging for 22 months in French oak barrels, 70% of which were new, imparting richness and depth to the final product.

In the glass, the 2021 Barnett Cabernet Sauvignon showcases a dark purple hue, a signature of the concentrated nature of this vintage. Aromas of blackberry, anise, and caramel leap from the glass, alongside nuances of cassis, cedar, and cigar tobacco. On the palate, the wine is lush and velvety, with flavors of black cherry, rich dark chocolate, and an undercurrent of cigar box and mocha. The tannins, while firm, are chalky rather than aggressive, perfectly balanced by the natural mountain acidity. The wine’s long finish, with notes of cocoa and dark nibs, speaks to its aging potential. This is a wine that will reward patience, evolving beautifully over the next 14-16 years, peaking around 2037-2038.

Crafted by winemaker David Tate, this blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot is a remarkable expression of Spring Mountain’s unique terroir, with the concentration and elegance that make it a standout vintage. The 2021 Barnett Cabernet Sauvignon is a must-have for collectors and aficionados alike.

Alcohol: 14.7%

93 POINTS - Cellar Tracker

Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐

The grapes were sourced from our estate and neighboring York Creek Vineyards, with the entire blend being solely from the Spring Mountain Appellation and all under estate control. The first grapes to come in were the Petit Verdot. Weeks later the Cabernet Sauvignon hit perfect physiological ripeness and the multiple microclimate blocks came in nicely spread out due to the moderate heat. We finished maceration, skin contact, in less than 17 days for all but one block. Each vineyard block was then aged separately for 22 months, the barrels being French oak and 70% new. 12%Petit Verdot was added for further structure and to add complexity to the nose.