Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
(Napa Valley, California) - [VM 97] [WS 96] [WA 95+]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Led by Bill Smith, Randy and a few other winemakers and grape growers proposed and defined the distinctive Howell Mountain AVA. The AVA’s boundary starts at an elevation of 1400’ so even when it is cool and foggy on the valley floor, it is sunny and breezy up on the mountain. Our wine epitomizes the Howell Mountain Cabernet: deep concentration, bold, massive, ultra rich and elegant.
97 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is elegant, deep and classy. Inky dark purplish fruit, savory herbs, menthol, licorice and spice. The purity of the fruit is remarkable today. There is plenty of youthful Howell Mountain tannin, so readers will have to be patient. Bright floral accents lift the red/purplish berry fruit nicely. This is such an expressive, alluring Cabernet. (Drink between 2028-2043)" - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2022)

96 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Ripe and very juicy, with a youthfully compact set of plum, boysenberry and blackberry compote flavors wrapped in licorice and violet notes. This is both racy and grippy, showing serious power but with the freshness and drive to match. Delivers a long, iron accent that scores the fruit through the finish. Best from 2024 through 2040. 3,523 cases made." - JM (6/30/22)

95+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a typically long-term proposition, coated in dusty tannins and cedary oak. It will take time for the cassis, blueberry and slightly pine-scented backbone of this wine to emerge, as for the moment it's almost difficult to taste. Yes, the concentration is present, the tannins are almost silky-ripe, but the structure of this medium to full-bodied wine is unassailable. Hands off for at least five years, and probably more, to judge by how past vintages have evolved. Drink 2030 - 2050." - Joe Czerwinski (5/31/22)