WTN: Dunn Napa 1989

Decanted at 5:40pm and sat down to our meal at 7:20pm.

Dark red color in the glass.

Somewhat muted and light-bodied, earthy, black licorice, tart cherry fruit, cocoa. With time it became even tarter and thin, but then bounced back toward the end showing spicy cherry fruit, but still tart and tangy.

I am not an expert on California vintages but, based on this bottle, I would guess that 1989 wasn't a great year for Cabernet. Not nearly as good as a 1988 we enjoyed several weeks ago.

Actually 88 & 89 are not considered stellar vintages in Napa or Sonoma. CA is such a large state other areas can have totally different results than we do, Central Coast, Santa Cruz, San Diego area etc.

Actually 88 & 89 are not considered stellar vintages in Napa or Sonoma. CA is such a large state other areas can have totally different results than we do, Central Coast, Santa Cruz, San Diego area etc.

True, but the Conventional Wisdom™ as I recall it said that '88, while not a great year, was less disastrous for Napa Cabs than '89. You may remember otherwise, however.

Mark Lipton