2011 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Howell Mountain California USA Wine Tasting Note
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2011
Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain)
Clearly the most forward vintage of Dunn Howell I have ever tasted. Approachable, with a creme de cassis, thyme, smoke and cherry character, the wine is medium/full-bodied, soft, round and with an hour or so of decanting, ready to go. 4,235 Views Tasted Jul 13, 2020Sweet and tart, bright, crisp and crunchy dark red fruits with tannins that need time to develop. At least at the time of the tasting, the wine was more interesting on its earthy nose, than on the palate. With Howell Mountain fruit and Randy Dunn, time will tell. 4,543 Views Tasted Sep 28, 2015 |
Everything about Dunn Vineyards Estate, Napa Valley California Cabernet Sauvignon wine producer profile, wine tasting notes, wine and food pairing tips, best vintages, history of the property, information on their wine making techniques, terroir and soil. You can also read about the Grapes used for California wine and learn about the extensive History of Napa Valley, California Wines
Dunn Vineyards History, Overview
Before starting his own winery, Randy Dunn was already quite experienced with making wine in the Napa Valley. Dunn graduated with an Enology degree in 1975 from UC Davis. From there, Randy Dunn went on to craft several great wines for Caymus, Livingston, La Jota, Pahlmeyer, and Palmaz, to name a few estates.
In 1978, Randy Dunn and Lori Dunn purchased his first vineyard, high up on Howell Mountain, well above the fog line. Since then, Randy Dunn added to his holdings with the purchase of the Park Muscatine Vineyard, which was previously used by Ridge Vineyards, for Zinfandel and Petit Sirah. However, as yo might guess, those vines have since been grafted to Cabernet Sauvignon, to help supplement his Napa Valley wine.
Dunn Vineyards remains a true, family affair. While Randy Dunn is still in charge, the next generation of the Dunn family to manage the vineyards is already working with Randy Dunn. His son, Mike Dunn and his daughter Kristina Dunn are expected to eventually take of the property.
Dunn Vineyards, Wines, Winemaking
Dunn Vineyards owns more than 200 acres in the Napa Valley region. Currently, 35 of those acres are cultivated with vines. Much of their remaining holdings are forest lands, packed with trees.
The largest holding for Dunn Vineyards is the Trailer Vineyard, which as you might surmise, takes its name from an old trailer that was parked on the future vineyard. In fact, in the burgeoning years for Dunn Vineyards, the Dunn family lived in the trailer, before they built their house. Originally planted in 1972, these vines were to become the heart and soul of Dunn Vineyards, Howell Mountain Vineyards. In 2014 and 2015, much of the vineyard was replanted.
Lake Vineyard is situated next to their home. Prior to being cultivated wiht vines, the land was used to produce hay for horses.
The Harry Frank Vineyard is source of grapes used by Dunn Vineyards. While the Dunn family manage the vineyards, the vineyard is on a long term leasing arrangement, as they do not own the land.
The Park Muscatine vineyard was purchased in 1990. Formally used by Ridge Vineyards, parts of the vineyard were replanted in 1991, 1993 and 1995. There is a small portion of this vineyard that is planted to old vine Petit Sirah. Those vines date back to the 1950's. Dunn Vineyards actually produces a small amount of Petit Sirah, but the wine is not available commercially. The wine is reserved just for family and friends.
On average, in most vintages, Dunn Vineyards produces between 4,500 to 5,000 cases of wine per year.
Dunn Vineyards produces a no holds, barred, tannic, classic style of mountain, grown fruit that makes no apologies to anyone. Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine takes decades to come around. It is not a wine made for instant gratification. Dunn Vineyards is also not a wine that works well with the high alcohol, fruit forward crowd. Far from it. In fact, Randy Dunn disdains high alcohol wines.
Serving and Decanting Dunn Vineyards with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips
Dunn wines are best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. Young vintages of their red wine can be decanted for 1-3 hours, depending on the character of the vintage. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.
Dunn Vineyards is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, ribs, hamburgers, barbecue, roasted, braised, grilled dishes and stews. Dominus is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, salmon, mushrooms and pasta.