Dunn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, California

From the rugged slopes of Howell Mountain to the fertile floor of Napa Valley, Dunn Vineyards crafts its Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a balance of mountain intensity and valley-floor approachability. This wine reflects the precision, restraint, and authenticity that have defined Randy Dunn’s philosophy for more than four decades, a pure, structured, and timeless expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that stands as a benchmark for classic Napa craftsmanship.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• ABV: 13.9%
• Farming Practices: Sustainable, low-yield mountain viticulture
• Fermentation: Stainless steel fermentation with extended maceration for structure and depth
• Aging: 32 months in 100% new French oak barrels
• Style: Red – Bold and Structured

Sensory Description:

The Dunn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon pours a deep garnet color, offering aromas of blackcurrant, graphite, and violets layered with cedar, tobacco leaf, and mocha. On the palate, it combines power with elegance. Dense blackberry and cassis flavors are interwoven with notes of espresso, sage, and crushed stone. The tannins are firm yet refined, and the bright acidity provides remarkable freshness. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with lingering hints of dark chocolate and mountain herbs. A wine of precision and longevity, it showcases both the structure of Howell Mountain fruit and the supple approachability of valley-floor Cabernet.

Awards & Accolades:

• Wine Spectator Top 100 #18 – 1986 Vintage – Awarded: 1989
• Wine Spectator Top 100 #46 – 1985 Vintage – Awarded: 1988
• 97 Points – 2018 Vintage – Wine Advocate
• 96 Points – 2019 Vintage – Vinous Media

Winemaker’s Background:

Founded in 1979 by Randy Dunn, Dunn Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most respected small, family-run estates. With just 42 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon planted on Howell Mountain, the Dunn family focuses on meticulous vineyard care and minimal intervention winemaking. Their wines are known for their lower alcohol levels, restrained oak use, and remarkable age-worthiness, a deliberate contrast to the opulent style often associated with modern Napa Cabernet. Today, Randy and his son Mike Dunn continue to craft wines that embody both power and purity, honoring the mountain’s rugged beauty and the family’s deep connection to the land.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve decanted at 17–18°C (62–64°F) in a large Bordeaux glass to allow the wine’s aromatics to unfold. Ideal pairings include grilled ribeye steak, roast lamb, or pappardelle with hare ragu. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses like Gouda or Comté.

Cellaring Potential: Drinkable upon release after decanting, but capable of aging gracefully for 20+ years.

Elegant, powerful, and profoundly expressive, Dunn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterclass in balance, a wine that bridges mountain rigor and valley grace, embodying the enduring legacy of one of Napa’s true icons.