Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (1985)

About this wine

The 1985 Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon presents a deep, dark color and a complex bouquet of graphite, smoke, and licorice. On the palate, it offers rich flavors of blackcurrant and dark cherry, complemented by subtle hints of tobacco and spice. The wine's firm tannins have softened over time, resulting in a smooth, well-integrated structure. Aged for 32 months in 100% new French oak, it has developed layers of complexity and depth. This vintage is a testament to the longevity and elegance of Howell Mountain Cabernets, continuing to offer an exceptional drinking experience decades after its release.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape known for its thick skins and deep color, thrives in Howell Mountain's unique conditions. The region's high elevation, ranging from 1,400 to 2,200 feet, places vineyards above the fog line, providing ample sunlight and cooler temperatures. This environment leads to smaller, more concentrated grape clusters with thicker skins, resulting in wines with intense flavors and robust tannins. Dunn Vineyards, established in 1979, has been instrumental in showcasing the potential of Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, emphasizing the grape's ability to produce age-worthy wines that reflect the mountain's distinctive terroir.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1985 Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its exceptional aging potential, with some bottles still offering remarkable drinking experiences even after several decades.
• 🍇 This vintage was crafted from grapes sourced from four distinct vineyards: Trailer, Harry Frank, Beatty Ranch, and La Jota, contributing to its complex flavor profile.
• 🛢️ The wine underwent an extended aging process, spending 30 months in French oak barrels, which enhanced its depth and structure.
• 🔴 Dunn Vineyards' commitment to traditional winemaking is evident in their use of hand-dipped red wax seals on the bottles, a distinctive feature that adds to the wine's allure.
• ⛰️ The Howell Mountain AVA, where this wine originates, was the first sub-appellation within Napa Valley, established in 1984, highlighting the region's unique terroir and significance in the wine world.

Palate profile

Producer

Dunn Vineyards was established in 1979 by Randy and Lori Dunn on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley, California. Starting with a 14-acre property planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, they have expanded to farm 42 acres, focusing exclusively on this varietal. Randy was instrumental in establishing Howell Mountain as Napa Valley's first sub-AVA in 1983. The winery remains a family operation, with their children, Mike and Kristina, actively involved in its management. Dunn Vineyards is renowned for producing age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons that reflect the unique terroir of Howell Mountain.