The 2001 Dunn Napa Valley was the winning bottle in the October Installment of Pick My Next Bottle.
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.
I decanted this bottle for two hours and served it with homemade pizzas.
Crimson in color. 13.6% ABV. Show-stopping nose of red fruits, tobacco, cigar box and graphite. Compelling power and structure. Stunning fruits and ample acidity adequately balance the ever present tannins. Black currants, cassis, plums and earth on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long with silky tannins. Dunn always ages well and this wine is no exception. Best over the next 4-6 years.
My rating: 94 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.