2008 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a total knockout. Severe frost wiped out more than 50% of the crop in a matter of a few days. As for the wine, well, it is magnificent. Dense and opulent to the core, the 2008 offers up an exotic mélange of inky dark fruit intermingled with sage, gravel, espresso, crushed rocks and menthol. Although an atypical wine for obvious reasons, the 2008 is utterly captivating.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(13.9% alcohol): Saturated medium ruby. Lovely violet lift to the aromas of blackberry, licorice, spice cake and minerals, plus a hint of Band-Aid. Slightly wild but fine-grained and smooth, showing lovely inner-mouth energy and lift to its dark fruit flavors. A bit leathery and sauvage but less austere and backward than a bottle of the same wine I tasted the next day as part of my vertical tasting at Dunn. Finishes with sneaky rising length and rather suave, nicely integrated tannins.
About the producer
Few names capture the enduring appeal of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon quite like Dunn Vineyards. Founded by Randy Dunn in 1979, the estate has built its reputation on wines of depth, structure and longevity, rewarding patience with layers of complexity.