Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
(Napa Valley, California) - [JD 98+] [JS 98] [DM 98] [VM 97] [WS 97] [WA 96]

About the Winery:
Since 1979, Randy and Lori Dunn have owned and operated Dunn Vineyards and continue to produce one of the most highly acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignons from Howell Mountain and the Napa Valley.

About the Wine:
Led by Bill Smith, Randy and a few other winemakers and grape growers proposed and defined the distinctive Howell Mountain AVA. The AVA's boundary starts at an elevation of 1400 feet, so even when it is cool and foggy on the valley floor, it is sunny and breezy up on the mountain. Our wine epitomizes the Howell Mountain Cabernet: deep concentration, bold, massive, ultra rich and elegant.

Ratings & Reviews

98+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A deeper, richer, more powerful wine, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain sports a deep ruby/plum hue to go with a Pauillac-like nose of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and lead pencil notes. It's full-bodied, incredibly concentrated, has the classic Howell Mountain tannic structure, and a gorgeous finish. Give bottles 7-8 years if you can and enjoy over the following 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2032-2063)" (Jan 2025)

98 Points - James Suckling:
"Robust and brooding aromas of mulberry bush, violets, cedar, cocoa and graphite. The palate is full-bodied with refined tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of blackcurrants, spices, tobacco leaves and crushed river stones. Very bold and generous, with a refined structure that will age gracefully. Drinkable now, but best from 2028. Drink or hold." (Dec 2024)

98 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"The colour of the Howell Mountain Cabernet is noticeably darker than the Napa Valley bottling, showcasing an incredibly intense, mineral-driven profile. The tannins have an ironstone-like quality—firm, structured, and reminiscent of that "iron fist in a velvet glove" metaphor. The palate has remarkable density, balanced by a pure, vibrant mix of tart red berries and black cherries. The tannins become more assertive, but as they gradually soften, a rush of juicy blood orange acidity emerges. The wine carries intriguing layers of sagebrush, cedarwood, and warm brown spices, delivering ample power and complexity. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon fermented in stainless steel tanks, aged up to 32 months in 100% new French oak. The first vintage of Dunn Vineyards produced was the 1979 Howell Mountain Cabernet. Founder Randy Dunn's son, Mike, joined in 1999. As of 2023, Ted Kizor was named winemaker, working in tandem with the Dunns. Drinking Window: 2028-2050." - Jonathan Cristaldi (Aug 2024)

97 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is one of the most polished young wines I have ever tasted from Dunn. Blackberry, graphite, crushed rocks, lavender, espresso, licorice and spice saturate the palate. There’s plenty of Howell Mountain tannin and acid, but in 2021, those elements are totally woven into the wine’s heady, luxurious fabric. Even so, I would not plan on opening a bottle any time soon. The 2021 spent 31 months in 100% new French oak, pretty much the norm here. What a wine! (Drink between 2029-2051)" - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2024)

97 Points - Wine Spectator:
"This displays the dark, dense fruit of the AVA, but there’s lovely polish and freshness, with violet and ink notes pulling along the core of dark currant and blackberry fruit. Offers a ramrod of licorice and tar on the finish but shows the cut and drive to match its heft. A late flash of sweet bay adds an alluring hint. Patience is required, though. Best from 2028 through 2045. 2,583 cases made." - James Molesworth (Jul 2025)

96 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Dunn's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is richer, denser and more concentrated than the Napa Valley bottling but still hits the winery's hallmark notes of cedar, cassis, blueberries, pine needles and rubbed sage. It's medium to full-bodied, weighing in at just under 14% alcohol, but the tannins are ripe and relatively silky, and the wine finishes with tremendous length and ample harmony. Drinking Window: 2028-2050." - Joe Czerwinski (Oct 2024)