Dunn Vineyards
Howell Mountain Petite Sirah
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
November’s 4th Friday was a big hit. There is no way I’ll be able to upload all the wines, nor give them the reviews they deserve, but there were a few worthy of mentioning!
This is one of those bottles that you may never see again and because of that, expectations are crazy high...thankfully, this delivered. When I had the opportunity to purchase one of these (provenance perfect, as the purchaser acquired directly from Dunn), I was very intrigued. My understanding is this wine was made during ‘92, ‘93, ‘94 and ‘95.
Upon opening, I was shocked (though I shouldn’t of been) that it seemed to need a lot of air. Undoubtedly purple core in the glass, with a fading rim. It leapt from the glass revealing a very floral profile of potpourri, violets and sage, along with cassis, underripe blackberries and cedar. On the palate, the tannins have integrated smoothly and acidity keeps it afloat with an energetic vibe. There are notes of leather, herbs, plum, crunchy black cranberries with a finish showing cracked black pepper, dusty graphite, iron and a touch of dark cocoa. Continuously evolved over two hours. If I was served this blind, there is no way I could even consider this was Petite Sirah. Maybe a late ‘80s right bank cab franc blend would be my guess, or an older Barolo from a top producer. A truly magical profile and experience, one I hope to be fortunate to be a part of again!
November’s 4th Friday was a big hit. There is no way I’ll be able to upload all the wines, nor give them the reviews they deserve, but there were a few worthy of mentioning!
This is one of those bottles that you may never see again and because of that, expectations are crazy high...thankfully, this delivered. When I had the opportunity to purchase one of these (provenance perfect, as the purchaser acquired directly from Dunn), I was very intrigued. My understanding is this wine was made during ‘92, ‘93, ‘94 and ‘95.
Upon opening, I was shocked (though I shouldn’t of been) that it seemed to need a lot of air. Undoubtedly purple core in the glass, with a fading rim. It leapt from the glass revealing a very floral profile of potpourri, violets and sage, along with cassis, underripe blackberries and cedar. On the palate, the tannins have integrated smoothly and acidity keeps it afloat with an energetic vibe. There are notes of leather, herbs, plum, crunchy black cranberries with a finish showing cracked black pepper, dusty graphite, iron and a touch of dark cocoa. Continuously evolved over two hours. If I was served this blind, there is no way I could even consider this was Petite Sirah. Maybe a late ‘80s right bank cab franc blend would be my guess, or an older Barolo from a top producer. A truly magical profile and experience, one I hope to be fortunate to be a part of again!
Drinks like old Nebbiolo at 22 years. Killer with homemade sugo
Drinks like old Nebbiolo at 22 years. Killer with homemade sugo
Jan 18th, 2018
Still alive and kickin'
Still alive and kickin'
1 person found it helpfulJun 11th, 2014
2000 Cabernet.. Amazing stuff. Drinking great right now. Soft tannin, subtle kirsch, gamey earthiness, med-bodied and nice acid. Lot going on, wish I had written this while tasting. Would have had many more descriptors.
2000 Cabernet.. Amazing stuff. Drinking great right now. Soft tannin, subtle kirsch, gamey earthiness, med-bodied and nice acid. Lot going on, wish I had written this while tasting. Would have had many more descriptors.
Oct 6th, 2016What a beauty...fragrant, fresh crushed berries, cinnamon, coffee...like liquid velvet
What a beauty...fragrant, fresh crushed berries, cinnamon, coffee...like liquid velvet
Dec 2nd, 2014
Still tannic and showing loads of fruit and secondary tones. Killer with porterhouse steak
Still tannic and showing loads of fruit and secondary tones. Killer with porterhouse steak
Oct 28th, 2013
Wild blueberries and blackberries and some funk. Had a gnarly bite to it that threw me. Probably needed more air time. Cool wine to try
Wild blueberries and blackberries and some funk. Had a gnarly bite to it that threw me. Probably needed more air time. Cool wine to try
Aug 10th, 2023