2002 Dunn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain 1x750ml

Robert Parker 89

I liked the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain slightly more when I tasted it from barrel. It appears to be fully mature, which is atypical of Dunn Cabernet Sauvignons. I even purchased another bottle at a local wine shop in St. Helena, and it was no different. As a huge fan of Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, I have reviewed over two dozen with many meriting ratings in the high nineties. The 2002 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, medium body, and a shallow, superficial style without the concentration and intensity one would expect from this producer. It needs to be consumed over the next 5-10 years. (Amazingly, I recently had a bottle of the 1982 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, which tastes younger than the 2002. Go figure?) [06/01/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022

Vinous 93

Bright, saturated ruby-red. Vibrant nose offers cassis, minerals, gunpowder and spices. Densely packed but nicely delineated, with primary, fruit-driven flavors of blackcurrant and spices. Very juicy and suave but still quite youthfully unevolved. Finishes with firm but smooth tannins. This calls for considerably more patience than the Napa Valley bottling, but even today there’s a pleasing pliancy of texture. This held up extremely well in the recorked bottle. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/01/2006]