Bottle Notes, Cabernet Sauvignon

1999 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain – Bottle Notes

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. Favorable press in the last several years from Antonio Galloni of Vinuous has put a well-deserved spotlight back on the winery.

The Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is the signature wine of Dunn and contains fruit farmed in their vineyards on Howell Mountain. The wine comes in a distinctive bottle that is hand dipped in red wax.

I decanted this bottle for about 90 minutes.

Blood red in color. 13.3% ABV. Fantastic nose of red fruits, eucalyptus, leather and graphite. At twenty years of age there is more than enough fruit to keep the still present tannins in check. Big, powerful and concentrated. Currants, cassis, coffee and tobacco on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Dunn seems to be somewhat timeless but this wine feels like it is in good place for current consumption. Just a tremendous showing. I have a few bottles left that should keep for another 3-5 years.

My rating: 95 points.

Current vintages of Dunn Howell Mountain should cost around $100. The wine is not easy to find at retail but is definitely worth the search.

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