Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

9.380 ratings
9.328 pro ratings
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
LM Segal

The most evolved and ready Dunn I’ve tasted, generous nose of red cherry and light cedar, Bordeaux-like palate, perfectly resolved after 30 mins and just pure silk. Asian spice, dark cherry, light cocoa. Several thought even better that the ‘05 Haut-Brion! I’d drink these now.

The most evolved and ready Dunn I’ve tasted, generous nose of red cherry and light cedar, Bordeaux-like palate, perfectly resolved after 30 mins and just pure silk. Asian spice, dark cherry, light cocoa. Several thought even better that the ‘05 Haut-Brion! I’d drink these now.

Dec 29th, 2023
Yianni Stone

A naturally dark vintage from a classic restrained producer

A naturally dark vintage from a classic restrained producer

Apr 3rd, 2018
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Randy Dunn makes wine for your retirement and perhaps your grandkids. This 02 is just coming into it's elegance/groove. When you consider it's been in bottle for basically 12 years, it's still a pretty big wine. Tannins are resolving but still packs a palate punch. On the nose, it's a wild berry blend, baking spices and a mix of dry and fresh roses. The fruits start elegant transitioning to juicy & finishing with dry medium tannins. Blackberries, black cherries, black plum, raspberries with very ripe juicy strawberries painting the back palate. The mix of fruit is incredible. Baking spices of caramel & vanilla, just a touch of spice; allspice & light sage, black tea, dessert style dark minerals that finish with dry crushed rocks, graphite & eucalyptus. Followed by; raspberry cola and acidity that is just short of perfect. The finish pierces the mid palate with dark tannins. However, the mixed berry fruit finishes long, juicy to dry & with sheer beautiful elegance. The finish lasts & lasts. It's simply a guilty pleasure. I have two more bottles. I'll have one in 7 more years and the last in 15 years. Love to note the changes! That's the really enjoyable part of cellaring wine.

Randy Dunn makes wine for your retirement and perhaps your grandkids. This 02 is just coming into it's elegance/groove. When you consider it's been in bottle for basically 12 years, it's still a pretty big wine. Tannins are resolving but still packs a palate punch. On the nose, it's a wild berry blend, baking spices and a mix of dry and fresh roses. The fruits start elegant transitioning to juicy & finishing with dry medium tannins. Blackberries, black cherries, black plum, raspberries with very ripe juicy strawberries painting the back palate. The mix of fruit is incredible. Baking spices of caramel & vanilla, just a touch of spice; allspice & light sage, black tea, dessert style dark minerals that finish with dry crushed rocks, graphite & eucalyptus. Followed by; raspberry cola and acidity that is just short of perfect. The finish pierces the mid palate with dark tannins. However, the mixed berry fruit finishes long, juicy to dry & with sheer beautiful elegance. The finish lasts & lasts. It's simply a guilty pleasure. I have two more bottles. I'll have one in 7 more years and the last in 15 years. Love to note the changes! That's the really enjoyable part of cellaring wine.

1 person found it helpfulDec 3rd, 2016
Kenneth Korsbæk

Corked

Mar 18th, 2017
web bond

Needs time

Needs time

Apr 10th, 2016
Mikey Giugni

Owner/Winemaker Scar of the Sea wines & ciders

9.5

Classic.

Classic.

Jan 26th, 2016
Dave Smigielski

Very dry cork. Took almost 2 hours in the decanter to open up then it was beautiful

Very dry cork. Took almost 2 hours in the decanter to open up then it was beautiful

Dec 6th, 2014
Eric Hastings

Beverage and Bar Coordinator Jean-Georges NYC

9.5

One of California's best

One of California's best

Nov 24th, 2014
Kevin Walsh

Wine blogger doxologywine.com; Freelance Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers) Doxology Wine Consulting

9.8

Fantastic, complex, integrated and balanced.

Fantastic, complex, integrated and balanced.

Mar 20th, 2014
Elizabeth Darden

Napa classic

Napa classic

Dec 22nd, 2013