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 grilled flank steak and roasted potatoes.
Crimson in color with some bricking at the edge of the glass. 13% ABV. Ethereal nose of red fruits, graphite, cedar and cigar box. Definitely an old world feel to this wine. The concentration and power is notable. Plum, currants, leather and earth on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with prominent, gritty tannins. Big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon that is still going strong at 24 years of age. I’ll check in on my last bottle when this turns 30 in 2027.
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.