December 1, 2019 - Still drinking very well - so much so that I upped my score on this bottle. The Luxardo cherry fruit remains fresh, the tannins well integrated and the finish is a great balance of sweet and acid. Like most Barnett Vineyard wines I have had, this is an extremely well-made wine.
July 14, 2019 - Still excellent. Flavors are dominated by dried cherries over the top of cedar and mocha. Nicely acidic. Finish is still medium to long with smooth tannins.
October 17, 2014 - This bottle was a bit rustic and starting to tire out, black cherry, vanilla and oak, somewhat unbalanced though with an unremarkable finish.
May 30, 2014 - Wow! This is drinking very nicely now (from a 1.5L)
Medium garnet color. Subdued nose with some floral (violet) notes so wasn't expecting much. But on the palate this wine is singing. medium + acid, dried cherries, red currant, eucalyptus, sandalwood. Great mountain fruit in here. nicely integrated tannins. Still plenty of like left in the 1999
January 25, 2014 - Tonight's bottle is mildly corked, so no score, but there is a very good plus wine here and possibly better without cork taint clouding every mouthful.
January 11, 2014 - With Michael and Leah at their house (Jack came later & fell asleep).
December 25, 2013 - Not amazing, but classy and elegant. This wine always shows its terroir and signature, which is somewhat rare for napa cabs. Very nice. Always a fan of the rattlesnake, particularly 2006 and prior.
December 6, 2011 - Not amazing, but in a very nice spot. Tannins still present, black currant, mint, black fruits. Oak didn't seem to be a problem nor was the wine too hot. Not overblown, but a good Cab with beef stew.
July 24, 2010 - Dinner with M/M Italian Wino (Vinci Restaurant, Chicago): Decanted. Deep inky garnet color. This is a huge wine. Initial vanilla note gives way to dill, currant and cassis notes. Loads of dark fruit balances the firm tannins; flavors of blackberry and cassis with a bit of oaky spice on the finish. Still very primary in its evolution. About 92 now, but with upside potential for 94+ at maturity. Hold until 2015+.
December 16, 2009 - Opened for my 40th birthday and what a birthday present it was. Wine is showing no sign of it's age, it's going to be very long lived. Absolute fantastic nose on this wine of vanilla, cherry, fig, chocolate, cola and a hint of spice. It's extremely aromatic. On the palate is more of the vanilla, cherry, caramel, red currant, spice and a nice bourbon quality that must have come from the barrelling. The layers and complexity of this wine are what you hope for when you plunk down $100+. The finish is smooth, long and sweet with just a bite of spice. Reminded me of some of the great Aussie shiraz which was a bit surprising. This wine is extremely vibrant for its age, a perfect metaphor for the first day in my 40's.