Fera by Outpost Howell Mountain
Cabernet Sauvignon
Fera is the Latin word for a wild, untamed creature. The name belongs to the place: Howell Mountain rises above the fog line, on rocky volcanic ground shared with hawks, bobcats and black bears. Farmed to the same estate standards as the rest of the Outpost range, Fera is that estate with the pressure off. Wild by name, refined by nature.
The vintage
The 2024 vintage in Napa Valley, particularly on Howell Mountain, unfolded as a season of dynamic contrasts. Generous winter rainfall replenished water reserves and supported vigorous, healthy vine growth. Elevated sites such as Outpost and True Vineyard, situated above the valley floor, benefited from excellent drainage and remained well protected from the storms below. A notably warmer summer naturally limited yields while enhancing fruit intensity and concentration. A welcome cooling period in September allowed for steady flavor development and refined tannin maturity, followed by early October warmth that brought the fruit to optimal ripeness and guided a timely harvest across both vineyards. Careful vineyard management and meticulous sorting resulted in smaller quantities, but exceptional quality. The wines reveal deep color, impressive concentration and a harmonious balance, with beautifully ripe, polished tannins that express both the power and elegance known of Howell Mountain.
Tasting Notes
The 2024 Fera pours a deep, inky black color with a bright carmine rim. On the nose, fresh-ground coffee and cream meet dried blackberry, vanilla, and spearmint, layered with blueberry, dark chocolate, and clove. The palate follows with baker's chocolate and a cooling menthol edge, crushed ripe raspberry and a mineral note reminiscent of river rock, closing on Luxardo cherry. This is a powerfully built wine, blue-and black-fruited. Muscular tannins sit over bright acidity and a lift of ripe red fruit, while the mid-palate shows real richness. The finish runs long, carried by that cooling menthol lift, with well-integrated barrel spice and a distinctly rugged Howell Mountain character throughout. It makes a compelling gateway into the Outpost range: its minerality and blue fruit pointing toward True Vineyard, its chocolate and spearmint echoing the Outpost Estate.
Technical Information
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Ageing: 18 months in 70% new French oak barrels
Production: XXX cases
Consulting Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown
Winemaker: Tommy Ufland
