Dunn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 - 750ml

96pts James Suckling

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.

94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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%).

Winemaker Notes

The 2022 Napa Valley is sourced entirely from Dunn's Howell Mountain vineyards, a rarity in more recent vintages, highlighting blocks that convey the valley floor's plushness in a warmer season. Brambly raspberry, blackberry, and black currant are snapped into focus on the palate by lacy tannins and lively acidity. The tension of the 2022 Napa is underlined by graphite, black licorice, and forest floor—a perfectly struck chord of just-ripe fruit and earthy elegance. This is an encapsulation of Napa Valley Cabernet, the Dunn way.