Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
$114 (Wine Club Reorder Price: $103)
Outpost was established in 1998 with the vision of producing wines that are a living, breathing embodiment of this magical place. Truly one of the world’s great Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel growing regions, the unique terroir of the Outpost vineyards – the hard, rocky red soil, high altitude, gentle cooling breezes, and sunny western exposure – produces fruit of incredible intensity and richness, with a distinctive spice you simply cannot find anywhere else.
Outpost Estate Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the very best vineyard blocks located between 1,800 and 2,200 feet in elevation. The guiding principle of the winemaking program is to realize the full potential of these unique pieces of land, to create a living history of vintages with immense character and a true sense of place. Outpost grapes are harvested late in the season – by hand, at dawn – to preserve the full intensity and distinctive spicy character of the mountain fruit. Grapes from each block within the vineyard are fermented separately so that our winemaking team can be very selective about the lots that comprise the final blend. Wines are neither fined or filtered allowing for the full expression of the vintages’ potential.
The 2018 Outpost Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is augmented with complementary lots from the famed True Vineyard. It immediately intoxicates the senses with layered aromas of jasmine flowers, blackberry pie, elderberry syrup, and bay laurel, but the depth of flavor and length of finish are what belie this wine’s greatness. Imagine a mix of umami flavors with dark plums, savory thyme, and Baker’s chocolate, layered with ample chalky tannin. It has everything one might want in a Howell Mountain Cabernet, balancing hedonism and restraint.
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Ageing: 19 months in 80% new French oak barrels
Winemaker: John Giannini
Consulting winemaker: Thomas Rivers-Brown
Bacchus & Venus Wines 