Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Price:$108.00 in mixed case $97.20 SKU224195750ml | Add to Cart |
Dunn Vineyards
The bottle of 2004 was a dense purple color with saturated staining of the tears and appeared positively viscous. A vibrant, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose displayed highly aromatic dark ripe plums, blackcurrant, sun-dried tomato and black-raspberry jam. A number of tasters noted a hint of reduction. Classic new oak characteristics of bitter cocoa, mocha, nutmeg & clove, espresso, menthol, rosemary and black pepper. A gravelly dark earthiness is barely detectable behind all of the dense fruit and oak; with 5 years careful cellaring these characteristics should taste more present. The tightly focused finish is very long, complex and in perfect balance with acidity, fruit ripeness and tannins. Additional notes: Almost every taster offered different descriptors leading me to believe that the wine is somewhat overwhelming. Many believed this wine to be a rogue placement ie. not a Dunn Vineyards wine. It is such a profound wine, with so much power, I’m sure that the group found its potential difficult to judge. It was described as monstrous similar in nature to Frankenstein’s creation – assessors may have been influenced by first impressions of structure and weight and found it difficult to dig deep and discover more – the wines complexity was hidden deep in the core and it needs time to emerge.
Wine Advocate
I don’t know whether it’s me, the vintage character, or whether Randy Dunn and his son have intentionally softened their wines, but these 2004s are more opulent and up-front than previous renditions. Yet, they lack neither concentration nor richness. Those of us who have been cellaring Dunn’s wines for twenty years, waiting for them to reach maturity should be thrilled by this new development. The Howell Mountain is denser and richer with blacker fruits as well as more body. Both are full-bodied, powerful Cabernets very much in keeping with his style. However, the tannins are softer and the wines reveal surprisingly developed aromatics. The 2004 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon should last for 20-25 years. It is a brilliant achievement.
Score: 94.
—Robert Parker,
December
2007.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
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