Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
- Vintage
- 2016
- Country
- USA
- Region
- US-Napa Valley
- Size
- 750ml
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Rating
- JD99, WS95
A different beast, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is dense and concentrated, with gorgeous crème de cassis, lead pencil, violets, damp earth, and tobacco leaf all emerging from the glass. Full-bodied on the palate, it shows the vintage’s purity, balance, and elegance and is concentrated, has chalky, building tannins, a great mid-palate, and one heck of a finish. It reminds me of a great Saint-Julien from Bordeaux and will benefit from 7-8 years of bottle age and keep for 40-50 years. Bravo. Best after 2029. - Jeb Dunnuck99
Sage and bay leaf notes lead the way, followed quickly by black currant and bitter plum paste flavors. The finish is framed by singed cedar and alder details, with a lingering sanguine echo. Needs a little time to soften fully, but everything is in place. Best from 2023 through 2038. - WS95
Dunn Vineyards is a small family-owned estate in Howell Mountain, a sub-appellation within the Napa Valley. Founded in 1979 by Randy Dunn, and still run by him and his son Mike. It has something of a cult reputation and is known for making some of the very best Cabernet Sauvignon in the region.
Only two wines are produced under the Dunn Vineyards banner, both entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon. The first is labeled under the Howell Mountain AVA and offers plenty of fruit-weight and tannic structure.
The other is labeled with the wider Napa Valley appellation, and combines around 85 percent Howell Mountain fruit with the remainder coming from the valley floor. This wine usually shows softer tannins and is approachable at a younger age, although it can still usually be cellared for 15 years or more.
Production is relatively small with around 2500 cases of Howell Mountain and 1500 of the Napa Valley wine produced each year.
The family lands extend to 200 acres (80 hectares), the majority of which is woodland. Some 35 acres (14 hectares) are under vine, in several vineyards dotted throughout the trees. Most of this is Cabernet Sauvignon, although there are a few blocks of Petite Sirah destined for the Retro Cellars label set up by Mike Dunn.
Dunn Vineyards also has a few plots of other grape varieties, although these are not commercially released.- Information from Wine Searcher