2011 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain
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Tasting notes
Dunn's 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a dark, powerful wine. The 2011 possesses tremendous density and tons of pure power. It is also more savory than most Dunn wines, so readers should expect a fair amount of herbal notes. Grilled herbs, scorched earth, licorice, lavender and strong earthy accents abound. The 2011 remains rich, deep and very young. It is one of the most backward Cabernets I tasted for this report. When the 2011 was young, my impression was that it was relatively open for a Dunn wine, today though, the 2011 is decidedly reticent. Harvest took place between October 27 and November 2, just before the last rains of the season on Howell Mountain.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Dark ruby-red. Aromas of medicinal black cherry and herbs. Quite rich and plush for the vintage, but with a distinct medicinal cast to its flavors of black cherry, herbs, espresso, licorice and bitter chocolate. Can't match the class or definition of the 2010 but this, too, is a baby. Not expansive today but still remarkably dense, even thick, for the vintage. Finishes with broad, spreading tannins, a repeating herbal quality and an impression of Médoc-like reserve. This wine was the product of a very late, compressed harvest during the last few days of October and first two days of November. (13.9% alcohol)
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, which comes 100% from their estate vineyards, is slightly higher in alcohol at 14.3% (despite the label saying 13.9%). Soft, opaque purple-colored, with a ripe, full-bodied mouthfeel and notes of graphite, spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry fruit, it is full-bodied, luscious, and ideal for drinking over the next 12-15 years.