Outpost Howell Mountain Grenache
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
Our Grenache comes entirely from our estate property located at 2,200 feet in elevation. 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. Wines are neither fined or filtered allowing for the full expression of the vintages' potential.
Tasting Notes
"It is a benchmark for the variety in Napa. Made with all whole clusters in an open-top tank and matured exclusively in used oak, the 2023 Grenache screams of varietal character, offering up pretty notions of peppery spice, strawberries and cherries, plus some floral, even tea-like notes. It's full-bodied, silky and expansive on the palate and long and vibrant on the finish." Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate (RP), 94 Points
The vintage
2023 proved to be a stellar vintage for the entire Napa Valley, Howell Mountain in particular. Abundant winter rainfall replenished water reserves, and a cool spring extended budbreak while promoting vigorous vine growth. Although veraison progressed slowly across the valley, the higher elevations of Outpost and True Vineyard, above the fog line, ensured steady and uniform ripening. With no major weather extremes, harvest timing could be carefully controlled, resulting in generally average to above-average yields and outstanding fruit quality. The vintage is marked by dense color, excellent concentration, bright acidity, and finely polished tannins, producing wines that clearly reflect both their vineyards and this remarkable year.
Technical Informations
Blend: 100% Alban 2 Clone of Grenache
Ageing: 13 months, in neutral French oak Burgundy barrels & 1 neutral French oak puncheon
Production: 393 cases
Winemaker: Thomas Rivers-Brown
