Lot 407
DUNN VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON HOWELL MOUNTAIN 1992 (1) WA 97
DUNN VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON HOWELL MOUNTAIN 1997 (1) WA 95
DUNN VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON HOWELL MOUNTAIN 2005 (1) WA 94
JOSEPH PHELPS VINEYARDS INSIGNIA PROPRIETARY RED WINE 1996 (1) WA 95
Lot 407 Details
DUNN VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON HOWELL MOUNTAIN 1992 (1)
Napa Valley.
scuffed label. chipped wax capsule
What makes the 1992 California Cabernet Sauvignon vintage so incredible is that one of its hallmarks is the voluptuous, opulent, and succulent nature of the fruit. In Dunn's offerings, that translates into wines that are massive and rich, but with sweeter, more expansive, chewy mid-palates...20-30 year wine. WA 97
DUNN VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON HOWELL MOUNTAIN 1997 (1)
Napa Valley.
u. bn. scuffed label
The enormous 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a super-powerful, fabulously-concentrated, 50-year wine. Aromas and flavors of blackberry/cassis jam, minerals, and subtle oak are found in this extravagantly rich, gargantuan Cabernet Sauvignon that should age effortlessly for half a century. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2050. December 2000 WA 95
DUNN VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON HOWELL MOUNTAIN 2005 (1)
Napa Valley.
scuffed label. chipped wax capsule
Dense purple in color and still looking like a barrel sample, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain has a nice, cedary, new saddle leather-infused blackcurrant richness, outstanding purity, medium to full body, sweet tannin and a layered, lush texture. The level of concentration is impressive. I don’t think there’s a wine taster that could tell whether this is 13.8% or 15.8% alcohol, given this level of richness. This wine is certainly accessible, but probably won’t hit its prime for another 5-7 years, and like most Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons, it will have a good 30+ years of longevity. (Keep in mind that his 1982 is just now hitting that peak of quality to my palate.) June 2015 WA 94
JOSEPH PHELPS VINEYARDS INSIGNIA PROPRIETARY RED WINE 1996 (1)
Napa Valley.
wrinkled label
Aged 22 months in 100% new French oak, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot reveals a powerful core of red and black fruits, dusty, loamy soil, lavender and a hint of toast. I would not describe it as elegant, but rather, it is a big, backstrapping, Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine that should continue to drink well for 15 or more years. November 2013 WA 95