Bottle Notes, Cabernet Sauvignon

1996 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley – 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.

I decanted this bottle for about 90 minutes.

Blood red in color. 13% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, cedar, graphite, leather and a hint of eucalyptus. Medium body. Supremely polished. Packed with rich, plush Cabernet fruits. Cherries, plums, currants and tobacco on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long and silky. Approachable now with well integrated tannins. Dunn Napa Valley does not get much better than this. Bravo! Best over the next 2-4 years.

My rating: 96 points.

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

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