The 2005 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley was the winning bottle in the January installment of Pick My Next Bottle. I did not decant the wine and it was served with grilled top sirloin and roasted gold potatoes.
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.
Dark crimson in color. 13.8% ABV. Soaring nose of red fruits, cedar, leather and eucalyptus. Supple and approachable but the concentration is undeniable. Currants, cassis, plums and bitter sweet chocolate on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long with ever so silky tannins. Stellar Dunn Napa Valley that is drinking so well now but undoubtedly has the stuffing to improve for another decade.
My rating: 95 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.
Nice wine, Tom. Nice post. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading!
Oops, forgot to login, Tom. It’s me, Peter Zachar. The 2005 Howell Mountain must be incredible!
Really good. Sometime in the era I think the intent at Dunn was to make the wines more approachable and that was definitely reflected here.