2022 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

JS98 This minerally, earthy wine is highly impressive, with aromas of black and red currants, wet stones, bay laurel, bitter chocolate, dried flowers and walnuts. The palate is seamlessly balanced, showing depth of fruit, melting tannins and a silken, rounded mouthfeel that has no hard edges. Firm, mouthwatering finish. This is drinking very well now, but can age for decades. Drink or hold.

WA97 Dunn’s 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is the first vintage in a while that didn’t get 100% new French oak—it’s just 84%. Subtle, cedary oak frames bold cherry and blueberry fruit on the nose of this medium- to full-bodied wine. It’s bigger-feeling than the Napa bottling, despite being lower in alcohol (13.9%). Round but structured, firm but silky, with undertones of crushed stone and pencil shavings on the lingering finish, it’s a particularly strong effort.

JD97 A smoking good 2022 and a wine that defines the vintage, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon raised 31-32 months in 84% new French oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by a captivating nose of darker currants, leather, graphite, dried herbs, and freshly sharpened lead pencil. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a round, layered mouthfeel, velvety tannins, solid mid-palate depth, and a gorgeous finish. It’s one of the more approachable Dunn Howell Mountains you’re going to find and is going to be great for those who lack patience. I followed this bottle for multiple days and it held up beautifully. Drink this ripe, sexy 2022 any time over the coming two decades. Drink 2026-2046.