Outpost Estate Reserve Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Le millésime
Le millésime 2023 en Napa Valley, et particulièrement à Howell Mountain, s'est révélé exceptionnel. Les abondantes pluies hivernales ont reconstitué les réserves d'eau, tandis qu'un printemps frais a allongé le débourrement et favorisé une vigne vigoureuse. Malgré une véraison lente dans l'ensemble de la vallée, l'altitude d'Outpost et de True Vineyard — au-dessus de la ligne de brouillard — a permis une maturation régulière et homogène. L'absence d'aléas climatiques majeurs a offert une grande maîtrise des dates de vendanges, avec des rendements globalement moyens à élevés et une qualité de fruit remarquable. Le millésime se distingue par des couleurs intenses, une forte concentration, un bel équilibre sucres/acidité et des tannins très polis.
Notes de Dégustation
"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 PointsInformations Techniques
Cépage : 100 % cabernet sauvignon
Elevage : 18 mois en barriques neuves de chêne français
Production : 133 caisses
Œnologue : Thomas Rivers Brown
