The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Hill is another very pretty wine, even if it lacks some of the sheer thrill of the two preceding Cabernets in this lineup. Plums, blackberries, spices and scorched earth are some of the many notes that inform the powerful finish. The Rattlesnake Hill has a bit less personality than the best Barnett wines, but it is still highly appealing. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. Tel. (707) 963-7075

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Hill brings together all of the elements of the house style in a rich, deep wine with plenty of structure to support its rich, expansive fruit. This is a beautifully centered wine with terrific delineation, intensity and balance. White flowers, spices, mocha, licorice and blueberry jam linger on the focused finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. This is a very strong set of wines from Barnett Vineyards. As good as these wines are - and they are terrific - my sense is that with a little less new oak the fruit would shine through even more.Tel. (707) 963-7075

The brilliant 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Hill (from an estate vineyard situated at a 2,000 foot elevation) possesses intense minerality along with blueberry, black raspberry and black currant fruit, a firm backbone and moderate tannic structure. This impressively endowed Cabernet Sauvignon is built for serious aging. Dense ruby/purple-tinged and pure, it is the most impressive effort in this portfolio. Give it several years of cellaring and enjoy it over the following 15+ years. It’s hard to believe that Barnett Vineyards is already 27 years old. Located on a beautiful hillside high on Spring Mountain, they have branched out from their original Cabernet program to include Chardonnays and, more recently, Pinot Noirs, all of which merit attention.Tel. (707) 963-7075; Fax (707) 963-3724