94 pts Wine Advocate

"In contrast to producers in the Napa Valley proper, Dunn, up high on Howell Mountain, experienced close to normal yields in 2022. The Napa bottling is composed entirely of Howell Mountain fruit this year, like 2010 and some other historical vintages. Harvest took place from September 8 through October 21. There's no El Camino Reserve in 2022, but the quality of the two Cabernets that were made is superlative."  

"Like a couple of other famous vintages (2010, for one), Dunn's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon "Napa" is composed entirely of Howell Mountain fruit. Scents of cedar and cherries are graced by hints of cassis and dusty earth, while the palate is medium- to full-bodied, silky and reasonably supple for a Dunn wine. Long and elegant on the finish, with fine-grained tannins, it's a top-notch example of mountain Cabernet made with modern sensibilities regarding drinkability. Coincidentally (?), it's the first Napa bottling officially over 14% alcohol (14.4%)."

92 pts Vinous Media

"Dunn’s 2022 Cabernet Sauvignons will delight the estate’s fans, as the wines will be ready to drink without the cellaring they typically demand.  Dunn's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is all Howell Mountain fruit in this vintage. Soft and succulent, the 2022 is an unusual Dunn wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, spice and menthol infuse the 2022 with tons of nuance. There's a lot to like here, starting with the wine's bold, juicy personality. Floral overtones extend the resonant finish."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 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:
This 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 Mountain’s volcanic, rocky soils—imparting structure, minerality, and ageworthiness—balanced 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 60–65°F 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.