Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (2014)

About this wine

The 2014 Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon offers a deep garnet-purple color and an evocative nose of crème de cassis, plum preserves, and fresh wild blueberries, with touches of chocolate mints, tilled soil, yeast extract, chargrill, and scorched earth. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with fresh, crunchy black fruit, framed by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with bags of energy. This wine is a quintessential example of Howell Mountain's terroir, known for producing wines with deep color and intense flavors. Dunn Vineyards, established in 1979, has a reputation for crafting age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons that reflect the unique characteristics of their mountain vineyards.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and small berries, which contribute to wines with deep color and robust tannins. In the Howell Mountain region of Napa Valley, the unique terroir—characterized by high elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,200 feet, volcanic soils, and a climate above the fog line—creates ideal conditions for cultivating this grape. These factors lead to the production of intensely flavored, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons with notable structure and complexity. Dunn Vineyards, established in the early 1980s, has been instrumental in showcasing the potential of Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing to the area's recognition as a distinguished sub-appellation within Napa Valley.

Quick facts

• 🍷 Dunn Vineyards' Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its exceptional aging potential, often developing complexity over decades.
• 🏆 The 2014 vintage received high praise, including a 95-point rating from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
• 🪵 The wine is aged for approximately 32 months in 100% new French oak barrels, contributing to its rich flavor profile.
• ⛰️ Dunn Vineyards' estate is located at elevations between 1,400 and 2,000 feet, providing a unique microclimate above the Napa Valley fog line.
• 👨‍👦 The winery is a family-run operation, with founder Randy Dunn and his son Mike overseeing production, ensuring a legacy of quality.

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.