| Region of production: | Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley |
| Winery Location: | Howell Mountain |
| Year Established: | 1979 |
Vineyard Holdings
12 ha
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (wax seal): 100% estate Cabernet Sauvignon
- Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (foil seal): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 85% estate fruit, 15% valley floor fruit
Average Total Production
- 48,000 – 60,000 bottles
Summary
Former Caymus winemaker Randy Dunn and wife Lori purchased their estate property near Angwin on Howell Mountain in 1978, and harvested small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon in 1979 and 1980. In 1981, the winery produced its first official vintage of Howell Mountain Cabernet, at a time when only a handful of others had climbed the mountain to grow grapes. Over the years, Dunn has been an outspoken critic of rising alcohol levels in the valley, and his vineyard has remained a remote outpost, at least in style. Dunn was an instrumental figure in the development of the Howell Mountain AVA – defined by elevation, the AVA begins at 1,400 ft. above sea level, the fog line. Dunn’s vineyards reach 2,100 ft. in elevation. Today, Michael and Kristina Dunn, Randy’s children, are steadily assuming control of the family’s property.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Randy Dunn produces some of Napa’s most rugged and tannic wines, requiring years to soften. The Cabernet undergoes whole-cluster fermentation, and spends around 30 months in barrel prior to release. Dunn has been rather open about alcohol adjustment, and employs reverse osmosis to ensure that his wines remain under 14% abv.
Producer Website: Dunn Vineyards