RATTLESNAKE Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District

With the hot summer and warm fall many of the small blocks that we pick came in earlier than normal and very close to each other. We typically pick these blocks two weeks later than in 2021. When harvested, the small estate lots were cold soaked for 2-3 days, fermented in small bins and tanks, and punched down or pumped over 2 to 3 times a day. The maceration times were 18 to 22 days. With the 2021 vintage extraction was slow to start. Then by day 7 it seemed all the flavors and tannins began to emerge. Once fermentation was complete the wine was pressed off into 93% new French oak barrels for aging. The wine has been racked three times during its near two-year maturation time in the cellar.

The color of the 2021 Rattlesnake is near opaque purple. The nose is very intense, with blackberry pie, caramel, dark roast coffee, cola, and raspberry reduction pouring out of the glass. Under these intense aromatics hides some volcanic minerality and crushed violets. The wine is ultra rich, plush and powerful on the palate. Darker fruit comes out, mostly reduced cassis matched by intense dark chocolate. The tannins are big, chalky, and matched by the famous Spring Mountain acidity. Dark chocolate covered cherries linger on the finish. This is an intense powerful wine that is barely starting to show the myriad of flavors it has to offer 19-20 years (2042-2043).