2022 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

JS96 For a warm vintage this shows impressive freshness, with underlying depth and aromas of dark fruit, spices, potpourri, graphite and bay laurel. The palate is plush and rounded with a silken mouthfeel and fine tannins, leading to a fruit-driven, savory finish. There is plenty of early drinking appeal, despite its mountainous nature. This is the first time since 2011 that the wine is 100% Howell Mountain AVA. Delicious. Drink or hold.

WA94 Like a couple of other famous vintages (2010, for one), Dunn’s 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon “Napa” is composed entirely of Howell Mountain fruit. Scents of cedar and cherries are graced by hints of cassis and dusty earth, while the palate is medium- to full-bodied, silky and reasonably supple for a Dunn wine. Long and elegant on the finish, with fine-grained tannins, it’s a top-notch example of mountain Cabernet made with modern sensibilities regarding drinkability. Coincidentally (?), it’s the first Napa bottling officially over 14% alcohol (14.4%).