2008 Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
SKU #1083020
98
points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain takes things to another level, as hard as it may seem to believe. This was another difficult vintage for Dunn. Yields were down a full 50%. In exchange, nature rewarded Dunn with the fruit to make an epic wine that could very well turn out to be a modern-day legend. The 2008 is a huge, towering wine packed with dark fruit, licorice, tar, asphalt and licorice. Layers of perfume are woven throughout this majestic effort. The 2008 should only be purchased by the very patient, but it is a legendary wine in the making. Anticipated maturity: 2028-2043. 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...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.
(12/ 2011)
94
points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Bright, deep ruby-red. Deeper and riper on the nose than the Napa Valley bottling, showing brooding aromas of blackberry, cassis, tar, minerals and licorice. Rich and deep but extremely backward and youthfully imploded; a step beyond the Napa bottling in texture and depth, not to mention inner-mouth perfume. This really saturates the palate without leaving any impression of weight. Most impressive today on the subtle, rising, slowly expanding finish, which features big, rich, serious tannins and outstanding energy. There's nothing exotic about the Dunn 2008s, which perfectly capture the energy of this vintage. Should be long-lived. 94(+?) points
(5/ 2012)
91
points
Wine Spectator
*Insider* Firm, rich and concentrated, this offers tight tannins enriched by loamy earth. Dried currant, spice, floral and underbrush flavors impart a savory profile. Should benefit from cellaring. Best from 2013 through 2024.
(8/ 2012)
K&L Notes
Dunn's pristine Howell Mountain property is planted with 24 acres of Cabernet vines aging between 10-37 years. While this wine leaves no doubt as to its power and longevity, it is also made with a sense of elegance which is notable in its lower alcohol content than most any of its contemporaries in similar cult status.
