Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its exceptional aging potential, with well-stored bottles often improving over 15 to 25 years or more. The wine's powerful tannin structure and concentrated dark fruit are the key factors that allow it to develop tertiary notes of cedar, tobacco, and earth over decades.

Dunn Vineyards produces two main Cabernet Sauvignons: the Napa Valley bottling blends estate fruit from Howell Mountain with grapes purchased from other Napa Valley sites, while the Howell Mountain bottling is made entirely from estate-grown grapes above 1,400 feet elevation. The Howell Mountain is more expensive, more tannic in youth, and has greater long-term aging potential due to the volcanic soils and cooler mountain climate.

Dunn Vineyards was founded by Randy Dunn in 1979 on Howell Mountain in the northeastern corner of Napa Valley. Randy Dunn had previously worked as winemaker at Caymus Vineyards before establishing his own winery focused on structured, traditionally styled Cabernet Sauvignon from the mountain's volcanic soils.

Dunn Vineyards' estate vineyards are located on Howell Mountain at elevations ranging from approximately 1,400 to 2,200 feet above sea level. The elevation places the vines above the Napa Valley fog line, resulting in more sunlight hours and cooler nighttime temperatures that contribute to the wine's signature tannic structure and acidity.