The 1995 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain was the winning bottle in the May installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was decanted for 30 minutes.
Dunn Vineyards is located east of St. Helena in the town of Angwin on Howell Mountain. The Winery was established in 1979, with the first harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. In 1981, the first release consisted of 660 cases of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Howell Mountain vineyards. In 1982, Dunn released a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Dunn is one of the iconic producers of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. Randy Dunn, to his credit, has held steadfast in how he produces and prices his wines. The wines are exceptionally long-lived and are truly a throwback to a different era in Napa Valley. Recent favorable press from Antonio Galloni, formerly of the Wine Advocate, has put a well-deserved spotlight back on the winery.
Ruby red in color. 13% ABV. Huge nose of red fruits, leather, mint and tobacco. The wine packs a punch on the palate but maintains a sense of elegance. Flavors of cherries, currants, cassis and graphite. Medium length on the finish with warm, caressing tannins. For my tastes the wines from Dunn always seem timeless. That being said this particular wine is more approachable than other Dunn wines from the mid nineties. Drink over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 93 points.
Current vintages of Dunn Howell Mountain should cost around $85. The wine is readily available at retail and a great value at the price point.
If you enjoyed this post please consider subscribing to Zinfandel Chronicles updates by email.