Events

News & Press

Antonio Galloni, Vinous

2018 Syrah, Howell Mountain

93 points, Vinous

“Retro’s 2018 Syrah is powerful and massively tannic to the core. Inky dark fruit, black pepper, gravel, incense and spice build in the glass, framed by incisive tannins that wrap it all together. The 2018 is a beast of a wine. I wouldn’t dream of touching a bottle anytime soon.”

2018 Zinfandel, Chiles Valley

90 points, Vinous

“The 2018 Zinfandel is a rich, heady wine. Super-ripe red cherry, kirsch and blood orange lend an exotic flair. This full-bodied, flamboyant Zinfandel is a bit over the top in terms of intensity and ripeness, but it all works well.”

2015 Petite Sirah “Park-Muscatine” Howell Mountain

95 points, Vinous

“The 2015 Petite Sirah Park-Muscatine is the last Petite from this historic Dunn site before it was redeveloped with Cabernet Sauvignon. The Park Muscatine Petite is most likely a field blend of the sort that was once common, which explains its bright acid profile and exotic, floral bouquet. A wine of energy and nuance, the 2015 is superb, and also much more refined than what most readers are likely to expect. Rose petal, lavender, mint and spice linger on the long, silky finish.”

2015 Petite Sirah “Los Abuelos” Howell Mountain

94 points, Vinous

“The 2015 Petite Sirah Los Abuelos Vineyard is bright and aromatic, qualities that work so well in balancing the natural richness of Petite. Sweet floral and spice notes meld into a core of red/purplish berry fruit. The bouquet alone is enticing, but there is plenty of depth and a ton of personality to go along with it all.”

2014 Petite Sirah “Elevation” Howell Mountain

95 points, Vinous

“The 2014 Petite Sirah (Howell Mountain) is another drop-dead gorgeous wine from Retro. Savory, powerful and dense, the 2014 has so much to offer. A rush of graphite, smoke, tobacco, incense and cured meats builds as this large-scaled, expressive Petite shows off its pedigree and personality. The 2014 is a blend of fruit from Dunn’s Park Muscatine vineyard, planted in 1980, and a parcel of younger vines that date to 2004.”

2017 Zinfandel Chiles Valley

92 points, Vinous

“The 2017 Zinfandel is rich and boisterous right out of the gate. Super-ripe red cherry, spice, leather and licorice are all kicked up in this juicy, exuberant Zinfandel from Mike Dunn’s Retro label. All of this fruit is sourced from a dry-farmed site in Chiles Valley.

2017 Syrah Howell Mountain

94 points, Vinous

“The 2017 Syrah is a potent, heady wine that shows just how compelling Syrah can be on Howell Mountain. Black fruit, sage, mint, licorice are some of the many aromas and flavors that open in the glass. Readers will find a deep, layered wine bursting with mountain structure.”