Since 1979, Randy and Lori Dunn have owned and operated Dunn Vineyards and continue to produce one of the most highly acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignons from Howell Mountain and the Napa Valley.
In 1978 Randy and Lori purchased a 14-acre parcel in Angwin with about 5 acres of Cabernet vines on it. At the time, Randy was working full-time as a winemaker in Rutherford. In the evenings and on weekends, Randy, Lori, and a young Mike tended the vines. The same year, Randy agreed to farm and buy the fruit from Harry Frank's adjoining property. That first harvest yielded 9 tons of fruit from these two vineyards. Randy purchased an additional 3 tons from the Beatty Ranch and Dunn Vineyards was underway. Everything picked up speed after that. Randy, Lori, Mike and baby Jennifer moved onto the property that today is the winery. In 1981, the winery was officially bonded. By 1984 the ATF approved Howell Mountain as a sub-AVA of the Napa Valley. Kristina was born and Lori was now running after 2 young daughters and a teenage son. Randy was still working down in the valley so the family business was still relegated to evenings and weekends. But things were going well. By 1985 they moved into the new family house (the "Brown House") and Randy left his job in the valley. By the end of the '80's Dunn Vineyards had become a successful operation. Randy was consulting for other wineries and selling out all of his wine. In 1989 he had run out of room to store barrels and he tunneled into the mountain to make more space. Now they had room for more barrels and a place for Jenny and Kristina to rollerskate. In 1999, Mike came back to help out part-time. It took about three years, but the "cellar grunt" came on full-time. Kristina graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in winemaking and viticulture and came onboard. By 2005, both kids were working full-time for Randy. Dunn Vineyards had always been a family business, but this was a whole new level. Kristina's girls are a little young yet, but they tour the vineyards eating wild blackberries, testing grape ripeness and visiting uncle Mike. Mike's son Alex has been helping out with bottling for the past several years and 2017 was his first full harvest. So far it looks good for the Dunn clan to continue farming this land. There are some distinct benefits to being above 1400 feet in elevation. We tend to see more sunshine each day and the heat tends to be more moderate. But spring starts later for us and, like winter, tends to be cooler here than on the valley floor. Frost is a concern from bud break through flowering. In 2008, four days of 19-degree temperatures devastated half our crop. Our yields average about 2 tons an acre (which is really low) but the cool, wet vintages do not have the same negative effects that come with being on the valley floor. We farm about 42 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon on the property. This is a manageable size for us to remain in the driver's seat for all farming and winemaking operations.
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Tua Rita Giusto di Notri is made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.
The word "Giusto" refers to the name of the Patron Saint of Suvereto (the hilltop Tuscan town where Tua Rita is located) and "Notri" is the name of the winery's exact location.
Giusto di Notri is a Bordeaux-inspired blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, selectively harvested in September. After a gentle pressing, the juice and skins macerate for a lengthy period of 25-30 days to add concentration and depth to the final wine. The wine is then aged for 18-20 months in French oak barrels and refined six months in bottle before release.
Deep purple in color, Giusto di Notri offers abundant aromas of blackberry, plum and currants with underpinnings of coriander, violet and a touch of vanilla. Full-bodied, with ripe, fine tannins, and a silky texture, this is a stunning wine with great aging potential.
Ideal for barbecued ribs, steaks, grilled meats and medium-aged cheeses.
Review:
Lots of incense to the aromas with sandalwood and lavender. Currants, blackberries. and fresh herbs, too. Full-bodied and very rich, with a powerful, structured mid-palate and a long, longfinish. A wine for the future. Needs four to five years to soften. Best after 2026.
-James Suckling 97 Points
Collier Creek Big Rooster Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Teroldego.
Nestled in the heart of the Lodi Appellation, where farmland ran as far as the eye could see, Collier Creek is a place that reminds us of simpler times. With notes of dark fruit, vanilla and full bodied, we're cocky about how good this Cabernet is. The Big Rooster lands in dry and fruit forward on the finish.
RS: 4.3 g/L
TA: 6.8 g/L
Pair with red meat and stews, or hard cheeses like cheddar.