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.
2000 was by most accounts a difficult vintage in Napa Valley. From my experience Dunn shows well year in and year out so I still had high expectations for this bottle. The wine was decanted for an hour and served with steaks on Memorial Day.
Dark crimson in color. 13.6% ABV. Super nose of cherries, leather, graphite and eucalyptus. On the palate there are flavors of tobacco, cherries, plums, cassis, pencil and currants. Coarse and ever present tannins on an exceptionally long finish. More approachable than most Dunn’s from the 90’s and certainly a triumph for the vintage. Drink over the next 1-2 years.
My rating: 92 points.
Current vintages of Dunn Napa Valley should cost around $75. The wine is readily available at retail and a great value at the price point.
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