Outpost Estate Reserve Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
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.
Tasting Notes
"Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Estate Reserve erupts with super-intense notes of black currant jelly, wild blueberries, red currant, and star anise, followed by hints of camphor, tapenade, and fertile loam. The full-bodied palate is both concentrated and elegant, delivering firm, very fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness to frame the multi-layered black, blue, and red fruit, finishing long and perfumed. Gorgeous! This is a new cuvée from Outpost, made for the first time this year. It is composed of Jenkins Clone and Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate and a selection of the top barrels." Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, 100 Points
"Aromas of blackberries, cassis, spices, potpourri, graphite and dark chocolate. The palate is full-bodied with a silky mouthfeel supported by fine tannins and bright acidity, leading to a mineral-edged, volcanic finish. Really well balanced and pure. The first release of this wine is aged in 100% new French oak and expresses the very best of two vineyards." JamesSuckling.com, Ryan Montgomery, 97 Points
"There are six barrels of the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, a selection from three southwest-facing acres planted in 2004 to Jenkins Selection (said to be a suitcase selection from Château Lafite-Rothschild) and Clone 6. Boasting a terrific kirsch-like intensity, the nose also carries a hint attractive of resinous herbs. Full-bodied and silky-textured but firmly tannic, this wine is built for the ages, finishing long and palate-staining." Robertparker.com, Joe Czerwinski, 96-98 PointsTechnical Information
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Ageing: 18 months in new French oak barrels
Production: 133 cases
Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown
