93pts Vinous
Dunns 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) hits the palate with waves of inky dark fruit, mocha, leather and spice. This is an especially overt style for Dunn. Then again, the Napa Valley Cabernet is designed to offer more early approachability than the top wines here. All this needs is a bit of time in bottle for the French oak to integrate further. Readers will find a dense, almost shockingly rich wine from Randy and Mike Dunn. Hints of graphite, sage, menthol and licorice kick on the long, beautifully persistent finish. A dollop of Cabernet Franc adds aromatic presence, something Randy Dunn quietly did in this wine in the past. The Napa Valley Cabernet is mostly from the estate, with a bit of purchased fruit from sites in Yountville and Oakville. Drinking Window: 2026 – 2041
– By Antonio Galloni on December 2024

Mike and Randy Dunn, along with their team, turned out a gorgeous set of 2021 Cabernet Sauvignons. The wines are dark, potent and highly imbued with character, but they are also less forbiddingly tannic out of the gate than they used to be. Dunn fans will want to take note of the El Camino, a barrel selection of some of the best lots in the cellar. Readers will find much more historical context and information on Dunn in several articles chronicling vertical tastings that are available on the Vinous site.

Since 1979, Dunn Vineyards has been a benchmark for classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Based on Howell Mountain, Randy and Mike Dunn craft wines of power, restraint, and longevity that stand apart from the more opulent modern style. Their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon blends estate fruit from Howell Mountain with select valley-floor sites, offering an approachable expression of the Dunn style while still built for aging.

Vinification & Technical Notes:
The 2021 vintage was marked by low yields and ideal ripening conditions, resulting in small berries of exceptional concentration. The wine is composed almost entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon, with a small percentage of Petit Verdot for added depth. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel with native yeasts, followed by aging in French oak (around 100% new for Howell Mountain, but a lower proportion here) for roughly 32 months. The Napa Valley bottling is typically released earlier than the Howell Mountain, with a more open-knit structure in youth.

Tasting Notes:
The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon shows deep aromatics of cassis, black cherry, and graphite, accented by cedar, violets, and crushed herbs. The palate is bold yet refined, with layers of dark fruit framed by firm, polished tannins and vibrant acidity. A mineral streak runs through the wine, leading to a long, focused finish. This vintage combines the freshness of a cooler year with the richness expected from Napa, making it both cellar-worthy and accessible within a few years of release.

Terroir:
The blend draws on Howell Mountains volcanic, rocky soilsimparting structure, minerality, and ageworthinessbalanced with valley-floor sites that bring plush fruit and approachability. The result is a Cabernet that marries mountain precision with valley generosity.

Serving & Pairing:
Serve at 6065F after a brief decant if drinking young. A natural partner for grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short ribs, or simply enjoyed alongside aged cheeses. With time, it will reward patience and evolve beautifully over 20+ years.