Outpost – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2022
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Crafted in limited quantities by famed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, this Howell Mountain Cabernet is the epitome of intensity and mountain-driven elegance. Rugged terroir and meticulous cellar work combine to deliver a bold, structured wine with remarkable depth.
Aromas & Flavors
Opens with graphite, blackcurrant, and dried tobacco leaf. Layers of leather, espresso, and blackberry compote unfold, followed by subtle hints of cedar and crushed herbs.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and powerful, yet finely knit. Dense, mouth-coating tannins frame the dark fruit core, while a long, brooding finish leaves behind savory and mineral echoes.
Food Pairings
Perfect with char-grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, venison, or a rich mushroom ragù.
Verdict
A serious mountain Cabernet, intense, deep, and age-worthy. Already impressive young but destined to shine with time in the cellar.
Did You Know?
Howell Mountain was Napa Valley’s first sub-AVA (1983) and is known for producing Cabernets with higher acidity, bold tannins, and dark fruit concentration thanks to its volcanic soils and elevated vineyards. — 19 days ago
Outpost – Zinfandel – 2023
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A powerhouse Zinfandel from the rugged slopes of Howell Mountain. At 16.1% ABV, this wine blurs the line between classic Zin and fortified intensity, bold, muscular, and unapologetically impactful. Rare to find Zinfandel from Howell Mountain, and it shows the terroir’s distinctive stamp.
Aromas & Flavors
Jammy blackberry, black plum, and spiced cherry compote, layered with peppercorn, tobacco leaf, and cocoa nibs. Notes of fig and raisin round out the darker, concentrated fruit profile.
Mouthfeel
Full-throttle and mouth-coating. Explosive fruit upfront followed by fiery spice and dense tannins. Despite its muscle, the wine pulls through with a surprisingly hearty and lasting finish.
Food Pairings
Best with equally bold cuisine: barbecue brisket, lamb shanks, wild boar stew, or intensely spiced dishes. Could also shine next to aged blue cheese.
Verdict
A monster Zin, unapologetic, high-octane, and unforgettable. Not for the faint of heart, but for those who embrace big wines, it delivers a rare and compelling experience.
Did You Know?
Howell Mountain’s volcanic soils and high elevation are usually Cabernet Sauvignon country. Outpost’s decision to plant Zinfandel here makes this bottling one of Napa’s rare mountain Zins, combining Zin’s natural exuberance with Howell’s signature intensity. — 19 days ago
Deep, deep ruby and not a hint of browning on the rim even though it’s 12 years old. Oaky vanilla with blueberry pie and some spicy notes. Lots more blue/black fruit on the palate. Super well balanced and enjoyed chewing on some med/fine tannins. Got two more of these and think I’ll wait a while. Not even close to showing its age. I think the scores will continue to climb on this one. — 24 days ago
Really enjoyed this DM — a month ago
"Odedi"
Dark ruby in color with a short purple rim.
Fruity nose of black currants, plums, cooked cherries, spices, mint, vanilla, cedar, cola, licorice, eucalyptus and peppercorn.
Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate and fruit forward with blackberries, black currants, plums, cooked cherries, cedar, licorice, spices, graphite, peppercorn and black tea
Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.
This is a gorgeous 12 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain in Washington State. Complex and fruit forward. Rich and elegant.
I had a more recent vintage not too long ago, and it’s definitely better with age.
This Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely fantastic now. Drinking at its peak, and will continue to drink nicely in the next 7 years.
Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel and a gorgeous nose. Loved smelling on it. The high alcohol is well integrated by now.
Good by itself as a sipping wine, and paired beautifully with the delicious Wagyu Steak.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were aged in all new French oak barrels for 20 months.
15.2% alcohol by volume.
94 points.
$180. — 2 days ago