The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is unlike any wine I have ever tasted from Dunn. Layer after layer of flavor saturates the palate in this opulent full-throttle Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2007 possesses dazzling textural richness depth and sheer intensity. Purists may prefer more structured vintages but for a producer known for such slow maturing wines the 2007 is a huge pleasure to taste today. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2037.I tasted a large number of wines with Randy Dunn this year. These are some of the most powerful age worthy Cabernets being made in Napa Valley today. Dunn is very much an iconoclast who follows his own convictions. Picking is a bit earlier here than elsewhere throughout the valley. Dunn isn't too concerned if stems occasionally make it into the fermenter. A fervent advocate of lower-alcohol wines Dunn makes no apologies for removing alcohol from his wines if they come in above 14%. Personally that strikes me as a totally unnecessary intervention but it's hard to argue with the quality of what is in the bottle and ultimately that is what counts most. The Napa Valley bottling includes purchased fruit from the valley floor and is typically a slightly more accessible wine while the Howell Mountain is a much tougher wine that typically demands 20 years to enter its early peak. These Cabernets are for the patient but make no mistake about it in top vintages the Howell Mountain is one of the great wines not just of California but of the world. Readers who want to explore these wines without waiting several decades may want to start with the 2005 or 2007 Napa Valley bottlings both of which are somewhat accessible at this stage. Drink: 2017 - 2037

I am quite surprised, positively so, to see how delicate and understated the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is today. Dark red fruit, blood orange, flowers and dried herbs are all nicely laced together. Silky, polished tannins wrap it all up. The 2007 is one of the most sensual Howell Mountain Cabernets I have tasted from Dunn. -- Antonio Galloni

The 2007 Howell Mountain is one of the most approachable, sexy wines I’ve tasted from this estate. Still ruby/purple color with beautiful notes of blue fruits, forest floor, Asian spices, and lead pencil shavings, it hits the palate with a forward, opulent texture and ripe, polished tannins. The tannic austerity this estate is known for is certainly not present, yet it’s fleshy, beautifully concentrated, and has an awesome finish. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years.

Thick inky ruby red. Glass staining. Very penetrating and intense in the nose with aromas of fine cassis deep red cherry violets marshmallow minerals mocha with a touch of raspberry liqueur. Invigorating dense and rich. Still very fresh in the mouth with vivid juicy fruit and find tannins with bright red fruits and a touch of vanilla and cedar. Still very tight at the core but with smooth velvety tannins and there is vibrant acidity here that will carry this on in the cellar for 15-20 years.