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 all accounts a difficult vintage in the Napa Valley and with that in mind I only decanted the wine for 45 minutes.
Crimson in color. 13.6% ABV. Red fruits, mint, graphite and cedar on the nose. Medium body with nice acidity. Lean on the palate with just enough fruit and resolved tannins. Flavors of cherries, currants, plums and pencil. The wine comes up a little short on the finish. A nice effort from Randy Dunn all things considered. Drink soon with a big steak.
My rating: 90 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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