2019 Dunn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain

Dunn Vineyards has been a benchmark estate for Howell Mountain since Randy and Lori Dunn purchased their first 14-acre parcel in 1978 and released their inaugural vintage in 1979. This wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the estate's high-elevation vineyards, which are defined by their rocky, volcanic soils and location well above the Napa Valley fog line. In the glass, it shows deep concentration with grounded notes of crème de cassis, graphite, and scorched earth, all held together by firm, polished tannins. The 2019 growing season provided balanced conditions with temperate weather and sufficient moisture, resulting in a wine that possesses both vibrant fruit purity and structural tension. While it shows well today, this remains a bottle built for the cellar and will evolve gracefully for two decades or more.