Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, California, USA 2021 1.5L
If there was ever an iconic, Napa Valley Cabernet producer, Dunn Vineyards would certainly be on everyone’s short list! At Dunn Vineyards, the classic, rich, muscular Cabernet Sauvignons that built the reputation of Napa Valley in its “golden age” in the ’60s and ’70s are still the norm (and never changed!). The winery's history dates back to 1978 when Randy and Lori Dunn purchased a 14-acre parcel in Angwin planted to 5 acres of Cabernet vines. At the time, Randy was working full-time as a winemaker in Rutherford. In the evenings and on weekends, Randy, Lori, and a young Mike Dunn tended the vines. Later that same year, Randy agreed to both farm and buy the fruit from Harry Frank's adjoining property along with an additional 3 tons from the Beatty Ranch. And from that, the inaugural vintage of Dunn Vineyards Cabernet was launched in 1979!
The Dunn wines have an amazing track record for aging. In general, the Napa bottling can drink well on release, but will really start strutting its stuff after 3-4 years, and age gracefully for 15-20 years easily in most vintages.
"A deeper, richer, more powerful wine, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain sports a deep ruby/plum hue to go with a Pauillac-like nose of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and lead pencil notes. It's full-bodied, incredibly concentrated, has the classic Howell Mountain tannic structure, and a gorgeous finish. Give bottles 7-8 years if you can and enjoy over the following 2-3 decades." Jeb Dunnuck 98+
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is one of the most polished young wines I have ever tasted from Dunn. Blackberry, graphite, crushed rocks, lavender, espresso, licorice and spice saturate the palate. There’s plenty of Howell Mountain tannin and acid, but in 2021, those elements are totally woven into the wine’s heady, luxurious fabric. Even so, I would not plan on opening a bottle any time soon. The 2021 spent 31 months in 100% new French oak, pretty much the norm here. What a wine!" Vinous 97