Mixed Case – Dunn 2018

Tasting Notes

Dunn Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Sauvignons:
Napa Valley & Howell Mountain
– Mixed Case of 6 bottles; 3 of each wine.

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The signature wine of Dunn is produced exclusively with fruit harvested from their estate vineyards on Howell Mountain. Always 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 100% in new French oak barrels.

“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a typically long-term proposition, coated in dusty tannins and cedary oak. It will take time for the cassis, blueberry and slightly pine-scented backbone of this wine to emerge, as for the moment it’s almost difficult to taste. Yes, the concentration is present, the tannins are almost silky-ripe, but the structure of this medium to full-bodied wine is unassailable. Hands off for at least five years, and probably more, to judge by how past vintages have evolved. Drink 2030 to 2050” – 95+ Points Joe Czerwinski (The Wine Advocate May 2022)

“Ripe and very juicy, with a youthfully compact set of plum, boysenberry and blackberry compote flavors wrapped in licorice and violet notes. This is both racy and grippy, showing serious power but with the freshness and drive to match. Delivers a long, iron accent that scores the fruit through the finish. Best from 2024 through 2040.” – 96 Points James Molesworth (The Wine Spectator)

Dunn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The Napa Valley Cabernet is a blend of estate fruit from Howell Mountain with a small quantity of purchased grapes from the Valley floor. This makes the Napa bottling more approachable for near term consumption. Like the Howell, this is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak barrels.

“Dunn’s 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon shows terrific purity and focus in its aromas of cassis and pencil shavings and on the medium to full-bodied palate, where it’s streamlined and smooth. There’s intensity and concentration, but they sort of slide past almost unnoticed, lubricated by fine-grained tannins and lingering notes of cassis and graphite on the finish. Drink 2025 to 2040.” – 94 Points Joe Czerwinski (The Wine Advocate May 2022)

“Well-endowed, with waves of lightly warmed plum sauce, blackberry preserves and melted black licorice framed by a roasted apple wood note. Flashes of sassafras and sweet bay leaf add alluring range through the muscular finish. Best from 2023 through 2035.”
-93 Points James Molesworth (The Wine Spectator)