Dunn Vineyards is a celebrated family-owned and operated estate in Howell Mountain, a subregion of the Napa Valley AVA. In 1979, Randy Dunn and his wife Lori moved with their son Mike into a home on the outskirts of the quiet town of Angwin. While the valley floor inspired farmers to plant vineyards and make wine, Howell Mountain captured Randy’s heart.

From these mountain vineyards, the Dunn family made its mark on the wine industry, and the land in turn made its mark on the family. They now own over 200 acres of land, 35 acres of which are planted to vines - 29 acres to Cabernet Sauvignon, and a small parcel for Mike Dunn’s Petite Sirah, released under the Retro Cellars label. Another 63 forested acres are entrusted to the Napa Valley Land Trust. The Dunn’s continue to produce two of the best regional examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, one from Howell Mountain and one from Napa Valley.

Dunn Vineyards produces 100% Cabernet Sauvignon under two labels: Howell Mountain and Napa Valley. Around 2500 cases of Howell Mountain and about 1500 cases of Napa Valley are made each year. The Howell Mountain Cabernet is from 100% percent Howell Mountain fruit, while the Napa Valley includes up to 15% Napa Valley floor fruit, with the remainder of the fruit coming from Howell Mountain. This floor fruit contributes to the wine’s softer approach, even though the wines usually can be laid down for 15+ years.

The bottles differ in two ways: The Napa Valley has a foil seal, whereas the Howell Mountain has been hand dipped in red wax. The Howell Mountain wine label bears both h the sub appellation Howell Mountain, as well as the appellation Napa Valley while the Napa release only reads Napa Valley. The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is usually more approachable at a younger age with its softer tannins whereas, the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is massive in fruit and tannins.

The 2007 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a remarkable wine that showcases the exceptional quality and character of this renowned Napa Valley producer. With its deep, inky red color, this wine immediately commands attention and promises a sensory experience to remember.

On the nose, the aromas are intense and penetrating, with notes of fine cassis, deep red cherry, violets, marshmallow, minerals, mocha, and a touch of raspberry liqueur. The complexity is astounding, drawing you in with its enticing bouquet.

Upon tasting, the 2007 Howell Mountain displays a level of opulence and richness that is rarely seen in wines from this producer. Layer after layer of flavor saturates the palate, creating a truly indulgent experience. The textural richness, depth, and sheer intensity of this Cabernet Sauvignon are simply awe-inspiring.

While purists may prefer more structured vintages, the 2007 Dunn Howell Mountain is undeniably a pleasure to taste today. It defies expectations with its approachability, a departure from the producer's typically slow-maturing wines. This wine is a testament to the exceptional quality of the 2007 vintage.

With an alcohol percentage of 13.9%, the 2007 Dunn Howell Mountain strikes a perfect balance, showcasing the fruit intensity and varietal character of Cabernet Sauvignon without overwhelming the senses. The smooth velvety tannins and vibrant acidity ensure a long potential for aging, making this wine a cellar-worthy investment.

Notable wine critics have praised the 2007 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an outstanding score of 97 points, describing it as a "full-throttle" Cabernet Sauvignon with "dazzling textural richness." Cory Gowan of JJ Buckley awarded it 94 points, highlighting its invigorating density and rich flavor profile. Jeb Dunnuck, of jebdunnuck.com, gave it an impressive score of 95 points, noting its approachability and impressive finish.

For wine enthusiasts seeking a truly exceptional Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2007 Dunn Howell Mountain is an absolute must-try. Its remarkable depth, intensity, and complexity make it a standout wine that will delight the senses and leave a lasting impression.