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 2012 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a standout example of a classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the region's renowned ability to produce powerful yet refined wines. This vintage has garnered high praise across the board, with James Suckling rating it an impressive 98 points, describing it as "full-bodied, super-refined and polished," and noting its "extremely long and exciting" finish.

Antonio Galloni of Vinous awarded it 97 points, emphasizing the wine's development over time and its "serious tannic heft in its mid-weight frame." He commends the balance of 100% new French oak and suggests the wine is still youthful, indicating its potential for aging.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also highlights its aging potential, with a score of 95+, describing it as "classic Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon" with "plenty of licorice, blackcurrant and blackberry fruit." Robert M. Parker, Jr. notes its "wonderfully sweet tannin and a long, layered finish," making it more approachable than some of Dunn’s previous vintages.

The Wine Spectator, giving it a 93, describes a "sinewy core of dense currant, blackberry and dusty, fine-grained tannins," and suggests it can be enjoyed now or over the next decade and beyond. Jeb Dunnuck likens it to "a great Bordeaux," with a "classic Cabernet nose" and praises its "pure, focused texture with building tannins."

Decanter also gives it a 95, highlighting a "rich, brooding bouquet of blackberry, tar, truffle and mint," and appreciates its "comparatively supple tannins."

Overall, the 2012 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is celebrated for its complexity, balance, and long aging potential, making it a noteworthy choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.