Freddy R. Troya

9.3

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. — 7 months ago

Steve Goore

9.2

Never been disappointed with this red blend. This 2018 was very well balanced and smooth with light tannins. Full of flavor but not harsh. Great on its own or paired with just about any food. — 2 years ago

Joe Lyons

9.1

Wonderful Chardonnay, great smooth fruit, long finish… something to start the evening off… — 3 years ago

Arlene Calandra

8.9

Very nice, easy drinking the combination of all the red wines is very smooth — 5 years ago

Sam T

9.3

Delicious. Perfect wine for a Happy Thanksgiving! — 5 years ago

Evan Griffith

9.1

A bit more on the cherry cola rather than just cherry end of the spectrum than I prefer, but nonetheless nice — 7 years ago

Ed Lehrman

9.1

A little heavier than I remember but fully mature and fun to drink with friends. — 7 years ago

Scott E. Becker

9.3

[Tasted on October 1, 2025 at Home with Jay]

Plum and boysenberry fruit, with tea, sassafras and sandalwood notes. Beautiful wine. — 8 months ago

Steve Messinger

9.4

Lemon spice notes w complex flavors of lemon, brioche, and red apple. Very long finish. Simply delicious — 2 years ago

Yoly Sardinas

9.5

Excellent! — 3 years ago

Brandon T

9.6

Been a few years since I’ve enjoyed a Lore, but this did not disappoint. Big blue/black fruits but very approachable by itself. Fantastic bottle! — 4 years ago

Dimes

9.2

Absolutely impeccable for a Merlot — 5 years ago

Vitaly Domnenko

9.4

Bm+. Tm. Am. Fm. — 7 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.2

The darker side of Rivers Marie. Where all of the Occidental bottlings share red fruited characteristics this is more black fruits and fresh earth. The supporting acidity and the hours it still takes to open up give me hope that it should continue to develop in bottle. — 7 years ago

Rob N

9.2

Smooth, fruity, high alcohol. — a year ago

Shay A

9.4

One of the wines I supplied for an annual lunch hosting (co-host this time). The best score for this is “not ready”, but 94 represents where I felt this was in its evolution…long way to go.

On a table with a burgundy, Bordeaux and Napa cab, THIS won most expressive aromatics. Could smell this before I even sat down! Deep translucent ruby/purple in the glass. The whole cluster/stems dominate initially before giving way to dark potpourri, violets, red and black berries, and herbs. It’s got spiced-fruit and grip on the palate (kudos to the stems), with some blood orange and a little licorice showing up at the finish. Great acidity to help this cruise a while. I don’t have a lot of experience with Platt (I know AG gave this 100pts) so I’m not sure if this is Platt style vs RM style, but it’s the most expressive RM Pinot I’ve had in a while (if not ever).

Decanted two hours. I’d recommend at least that if opening now or holding 5-7yrs for the real fireworks. My only 2018, but have a few newer ones that I’ll forget about for a while. — a year ago

Charles Garrison

9.2

Lush, succulent Pinot…dark ruby on pour, dark fruits rise out of the glass setting the stage for an enjoyable first sip…no noticeable tannins…lingering finish…this vintage is in a really good place today — 4 years ago

Edward Nelson

9.3

Silky smooth with just enough tannins to make me happy. $125-150? This warrants it. Worthy of a nice occasion or baked mostaccioli on a Wednesday night. — 5 years ago

with Michelle

Aaron Rankin

9.2

Lemon kissed butterscotch. Rich butterscotch on the round palette. A drinker’s cali chard. — 6 years ago

Charles Rosenfeld

9.1

This is 2016 vintage and a gift opened May 30, 2019 for grilled chicken. The aroma is very mild with touch of vanilla to smooth it out. Taste smooth, dry and hint of apple with vanilla and minimal or no butter. Actually very pleasant and would recommend if you see it. I’ll try again. — 7 years ago