1992 Forman Cabernet Sauvignon and 1992 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

Opened and decanted.... consumed over the course of 9 hours ... with dinner and afterward. Paired with grilled ribeye steaks and grilled veggies.  Dessert was selection of cows milk and sheeps milk cheeses, Spanish fig cake, and fresh local honeycomb.

Both wines were in good shape. Am more familiar with Forman than Dunn. Of course, the '92 vintage is a sensational one for this mini-masterclass in hallmark California Cabs.

Forman exhibited it quintessential flavor profile....I can always pick out the signature olive component. Fine tannins and very elegant overall. The mature cherry fruit is deceptively lithe until you get to the tertiary complexity that develops as the wine opens up.... sous bois, cassis.   This is a wine to be savored. A lot of stuff going on with the palate that shows off the classic Forman vineyard terroir.  It has that elusively nimble complexity that we seek in our wines.  

Dunn was a big flavor profile right out of the gate. Lush mature fruit, yet you can tell there is still some time ahead for this one. A big wine with everything in balance, burnished tannins, gorgous earth and minerality A classic wine of substance. Perfect complement to the steaks. 

While Dunn is a lovely wine, we found that we kept coming back to the Forman because of it's very alluring tertiary complexity. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for the Dunn with age.

The two distinct profiles give rise to consideration of respective terroirs.  Forman's beautiful hillside vineyards are more southerly and west facing.   Dunn vineyards may have a more northerly exposure.