With passion and patience, Fiona and Hal Barnett created this vineyard and winery in 1983 with the intent of producing small amounts of hand crafted Cabernet Sauvignon wines from their estate. Since the first vintage of Barnett Vineyards, Spring Mountain has proven to deserve its own AVA and become known as a unique mesoclimate, producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots.
The vineyards are located at the top of Spring Mountain, at elevation 2,000ft, and planted on steep terraces that follow the contour of the land. In some places, the grade averages in excess of 35%. Mountainside farming is very challenging. The vines must struggle to reach nutrients and water in the soil and, as a result, yield only one to two tons per acre. The elements of sun, temperature, and well-drained porous soils give an advantageous water stress to the vines and contribute to the depth, richness and character of the wines. Grapes are harvested by hand; vineyard row by row, as optimum ripeness and maturity is reached. Fermentation is done in small batches.
Since the winery's first 100 cases in 1989, Barnett Vineyards has grown to approximately 6,000 cases in total production. Rattlesnake and Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignons are the focus at the estate with total Cabernet production varying between 2,000 and 3,000 cases annually. In addition, Barnett Vineyards produces limited amounts of Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc sourced from single vineyards located in well-desired appellations.
