The 2001 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon was the winning bottle in the March Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was decanted for two hours.
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.
Crimson in color. 13.6% ABV. Exceptional nose of dark fruits, cedar, tobacco and graphite. Concentrated and powerful with still substantial tannins. The wine builds on the palate with flavors of cassis, currants, black cherries and earth. The finish lingers long after you finish a sip and hints at the potential of this wine 3-5 years from now. Another winner from Randy Dunn.
My rating: 93 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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