Owner and winemaker Randy Dunn established Dunn Vineyards in 1979, but he honed his craft at Caymus before forging his vineyards on Howell Mountain in California. At 2,000 feet above sea level, he realized the potential of this elevated environment while most other winemakers at the time remained in the valley.
Having his wife Lori by his side, Randy proceeded to make outstanding cabernet sauvignons under his own label that were built to age. And with Dunn Vineyards being a family affair, Randy’s son Mike joined him in 1999 and works as the estate’s cellar master and assistant winemaker; his daughter Kristina has been working for the winery since 2007 as Director of Marketing.
Together, Randy and Mike now produce gorgeous, full-bodied and powerful cabs that continue to impress but they remain fresh and agile. As Randy noted in our recent video on Napa Valley cabernet and the evolution of its style, he believes that the producers of jammy, high-alcohol Napa cabs are “kicking themselves in the foot, because the wines have become so uniform that they lack distinction”.
Dunn’s wines, however, certainly don’t lack distinction – in fact, just the opposite. James recently tasted two of the winery’s 2011 cabs, which you can read the notes and scores by clicking the links below. James has always been a fan of the 2011 Napa reds, which was one of the “lighter vintages” due to a cool growing season and some rain.
You can also search “Dunn Vineyards” on this site to see how past vintages have faired, and discover why this Napa cabernet is so unique.
Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011
Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2011
Here is a short documentary on Napa’s evolution of style where Randy shared his observations and comments on the development of Napa wines.
-Krystal Schwegel
