Dunn 2017 release

[Jeff_M.]

Anyone getting in on the Dunn 2017s? Going to get a few of the HMs and maybe 1 NV.

$130 HM
$85 NV
$295 HM mag
$195 NV mag

As a family, this fall will mark our 42nd harvest. But first, we are pleased to be able to offer you our 2017 vintage cabernets. Although very young, our 2017 wines are classic Dunn Vineyards Cabernets – perhaps a bit less plush than the past few years, but both approachable and ageable. The Napa Valley blend is moderately bodied, classic and elegant, yet still a little bawdy. The Howell Mountain is velvety and voluminous: truly a wine that wouldn’t punish you for drinking now but would heartily reward you for ample time spent in the cellar with many enjoyable moments along the way. As always, these wines will be sold on a "first come basis", but not shipped until late fall when the weather cools.

Lastly, although we are closed to visitation due to Covid-19, we are pleased to begin offering virtual tastings with members of the Dunn Family. Details are currently being finalized, so check our website next week for updates ( www.dunnvineyards.com ) or send us an email for more information!

As always, thank you for supporting what we love to do. We wish you the best of health!
The Dunn Family

[AD Northup]

I’m going to be going in to stash away for my son, probably a few HM and one mag of HM...probably won’t order until next week though

[OwenB]

I’m going to be going in to stash away for my son, probably a few HM and one mag of HM...probably won’t order until next week though

I did the same for my ‘17 son. What else have you picked up to hide away until 2038?

[T. Altmayer]

I’m going to be going in to stash away for my son, probably a few HM and one mag of HM...probably won’t order until next week though

I did the same for my ‘17 son. What else have you picked up to hide away until 2038?

Just drank a bottle of '98 Champagne with my son for his college graduation. While I have plenty of Bordeaux saved for him, so far he has enjoyed the bottles of Champagne the most.

[Ed Steinway]

T. Altmayer wrote:
Just drank a bottle of '98 Champagne with my son for his college graduation. While I have plenty of Bordeaux saved for him, so far he has enjoyed the bottles of Champagne the most.

Tom, congratulations to you son and to you! When our son graduated a few years ago, we drank a 1994 Montelena Estate Cab to celebrate. And, since he likes rum, some El Dorado 21 Year Old Rum. He really liked the Montelena, but liked the rum more.

Ed

[T. Altmayer]

T. Altmayer wrote:
Just drank a bottle of '98 Champagne with my son for his college graduation. While I have plenty of Bordeaux saved for him, so far he has enjoyed the bottles of Champagne the most.

Tom, congratulations to you son and to you! When our son graduated a few years ago, we drank a 1994 Montelena Estate Cab to celebrate. And, since he likes rum, some El Dorado 21 Year Old Rum. He really liked the Montelena, but liked the rum more.

Ed

That is an awesome idea with the rum, never even considered it. Montelena is a favorite in our house and still have one '95 left for my daughter. Unfortunately, my other kids were born in '98 and '00, not great years for Napa, so moved to Bordeaux and Champagne for most of their stash. Cheers!

[Dave McIsaac]

2017 is a vintage year for port. I have a couple of bottles of 2000 put away for when my daughter turns 21 next year.

Should be entering its fine drinking zone.

[MICHAEL C R O M W E L L]

Just finished an ‘02 Dunn HM for my recent grad—delicious ! Dunn HM is a good call and can’t miss option for birth year wines.

[AD Northup]

I’m going to be going in to stash away for my son, probably a few HM and one mag of HM...probably won’t order until next week though

I did the same for my ‘17 son. What else have you picked up to hide away until 2038?

The Dunn, Monte Bello (and Klein Ridge cab), Togni, VCC, Leoville Barton, Lynch Bages, Clape Conrad, Taylor Fladgate and Fonseca Port, some Fourrier, and a few more bits and pieces here and there so far...still have plans for something Italian (TBD), champagne if a vintage year, Musar, and a few other things hopefully...

Edit: and a bunch of Bedrock magnums that I think could be special at 20-25 years old

[AD Northup]

Just finished an ‘02 Dunn HM for my recent grad—delicious ! Dunn HM is a good call and can’t miss option for birth year wines.

Yeah, one of the Cali wines guaranteed to go the distance! The magnum will likely outlive me if we want it to

[Anton D]

Dunn is an automatic buy for me.

Highly recommended for anyone thinking about it!

[Robert M yers]

Interesting that their notes suggest a style softening? Plush (Less) and Will not punish you are not descriptors I usually associate with Dunn. I haven’t had any in a decade though, so have they switched a bit stylistically?

[Chris Seiber]

Interesting that their notes suggest a style softening? Plush (Less) and Will not punish you are not descriptors I usually associate with Dunn. I haven’t had any in a decade though, so have they switched a bit stylistically?

I’ve read suggestions to that effect on here, but I don’t know firsthand. I’d be curious for anyone who tastes these younger to comment.

[Anton D]

Interesting that their notes suggest a style softening? Plush (Less) and Will not punish you are not descriptors I usually associate with Dunn. I haven’t had any in a decade though, so have they switched a bit stylistically?

Yes, softer oak and vanilla, not as tight on the tanins, the fruit is somewhat more forward.

I try to think of comparisons....

The Dunn and Diamond Creek used to be similar on release, with the Dunn being more brooding, but both exceedingly well structured and built for a long ride.

Now, I would say the Dunns are more similar to, perhaps Schrader or maybe even closer to Rivers Marie cabs. (I think the Rivers Marie comparison is the more valid of the two.)

.

[Anton D]

Interesting that their notes suggest a style softening? Plush (Less) and Will not punish you are not descriptors I usually associate with Dunn. I haven’t had any in a decade though, so have they switched a bit stylistically?

I’ve read suggestions to that effect on here, but I don’t know firsthand. I’d be curious for anyone who tastes these younger to comment.

I think it was the 2010 or 2011 that first struck me in the 'new style' way.

It first seemed like more new oak than anything, but I mentioned those other things above.

[Dale Bowers]

I have some 1985 HM that I Hope is ready some day before I die.

[Rich K0rz€nk0]

Dunn is an automatic buy for me.

Highly recommended for anyone thinking about it!

Timely post, I was thinking about it. I reached out to Dunn to join their list.

[Chris Seiber]

How do their list prices compare to retail? Is there a automatic or minimum purchase?

[Jeff_M.]

How do their list prices compare to retail? Is there a automatic or minimum purchase?

I can't speak for retail pricing as I don't look for it there. There is a 3 bottle minimum order requirement on the order form. The form doesn't specify whether that's 3 bottles of HM or NV. At $130 a bottle, this is great pricing considering the price of other Napa cabs approaching or exceeding $200/bottle.

[David Baum]

PSA they have older vintages (13 I believe and maybe others) they cannot distribute and which can only be bought at the winery.

[Andrew S]

Anyone know the blend for the ‘17 Napa Cab?

[AD Northup]

How do their list prices compare to retail? Is there a automatic or minimum purchase?

I can't speak for retail pricing as I don't look for it there. There is a 3 bottle minimum order requirement on the order form. The form doesn't specify whether that's 3 bottles of HM or NV. At $130 a bottle, this is great pricing considering the price of other Napa cabs approaching or exceeding $200/bottle.

You can mix and match any way you want to get 3 minimum

[Anton D]

Anyone know the blend for the ‘17 Napa Cab?

100% cab.

From their website: "Both of our wines are 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 32 months in 100% new French oak."

[Anton D]

How do their list prices compare to retail? Is there a automatic or minimum purchase?

I don't think it is a secret, but you don't see it mentioned much: yearly buyers get every 4th vintage at 50% discount.

[Andrew S]

Anyone know the blend for the ‘17 Napa Cab?

100% cab.

From their website: "Both of our wines are 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 32 months in 100% new French oak."

Sorry, should have clarified that better, Valley floor vs howell mountain in the blend.

[Chris Seiber]

How do their list prices compare to retail? Is there a automatic or minimum purchase?

I don't think it is a secret, but you don't see it mentioned much: yearly buyers get every 4th vintage at 50% discount.

I've never seen that kind of structure, but it's really smart. I wonder if anyone else does that, or may try it in the future.

[Robert M yers]

How do their list prices compare to retail? Is there a automatic or minimum purchase?

I don't think it is a secret, but you don't see it mentioned much: yearly buyers get every 4th vintage at 50% discount.

I've never seen that kind of structure, but it's really smart. I wonder if anyone else does that, or may try it in the future.

Yeah I’ve never heard that, but what a great idea to promote and reward loyalty.

[Chris Atkins]

Yes they offer the buy 4 vintages and get the 5th for half price. This equates to a 12.5% discount, but you must commit to a full case each year which including the discount is $1,500 annually. It’s a good deal but a big commitment.

I just had the 2013 Howell Mtn and it’s a monster needing another 5 years of cellar time.

[John Telford]

Interesting that their notes suggest a style softening? Plush (Less) and Will not punish you are not descriptors I usually associate with Dunn. I haven’t had any in a decade though, so have they switched a bit stylistically?

Yes, softer oak and vanilla, not as tight on the tanins, the fruit is somewhat more forward.

I try to think of comparisons....

The Dunn and Diamond Creek used to be similar on release, with the Dunn being more brooding, but both exceedingly well structured and built for a long ride.

Now, I would say the Dunns are more similar to, perhaps Schrader or maybe even closer to Rivers Marie cabs. (I think the Rivers Marie comparison is the more valid of the two.)

.

In my extremely humble opinion, the RM is in no way shape or form like Dunns. I could not help but comment.

[Mar3 Koslowsky]

+1 on John's comment- nothing at all like RM or Schrader's. Dunn is pretty unique (IMO in a very good way!) relative to other Napa wines.

[Jeff_M.]

100 points from AG for Dunn 2017 HM. Nice work!

Edit: This is not the normal Howell Mountain bottling.

[AD Northup]

100 points from AG for Dunn 2017 HM. Nice work!

Is it normal HM? My bottles are at offsite, but saw the new “El Dorado” stamp...

[OwenB]

It is a special limited release called El Camino, not the regular HM. Believe AG said 180 cases.

[Jeff_M.]

This is what they posted on Instagram

[Jeff_M.]

100 points from AG for Dunn 2017 HM. Nice work!

Is it normal HM? My bottles are at offsite, but saw the new “El Dorado” stamp...

Think you are right. I don't see this El Dorado on the picture I took of my 17s. Guess this one will be in high demand.

[OwenB]

AG really liked the 17 Howell Mountain too, but it seems like the El Camino is a one-time offering from a vineyard that was ripped out after that harvest.

[AD Northup]

100 points from AG for Dunn 2017 HM. Nice work!

Is it normal HM? My bottles are at offsite, but saw the new “El Dorado” stamp...

Think you are right. I don't see this El Dorado on the picture I took of my 17s. Guess this one will be in high demand.

Hopefully mailing list gets first crack...

[Jeff_M.]

Is it normal HM? My bottles are at offsite, but saw the new “El Dorado” stamp...

Think you are right. I don't see this El Dorado on the picture I took of my 17s. Guess this one will be in high demand.

Hopefully mailing list gets first crack...

Amen to that. I did see Mike comment that it would cost more than the regular HM release. I was planning on buying large for their 18' vintage anyways.

[AD Northup]

Think you are right. I don't see this El Dorado on the picture I took of my 17s. Guess this one will be in high demand.

Hopefully mailing list gets first crack...

Amen to that. I did see Mike comment that it would cost more than the regular HM release. I was planning on buying large for their 18' vintage anyways.

Wonder if it will be included in the normal summer release or be a special one before then?

[Jeff_M.]

Hopefully mailing list gets first crack...

Amen to that. I did see Mike comment that it would cost more than the regular HM release. I was planning on buying large for their 18' vintage anyways.

Wonder if it will be included in the normal summer release or be a special one before then?

I figure it will be like the Trailer Vineyard release that was on the regular release but a lot more money.

[OwenB]

It will be a special spring release