Outpost Estate Reserve Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Le millésime
The 2023 vintage in Napa Valley, and particularly at Howell Mountain, proved exceptional. Abundant winter rains replenished water reserves, while a cool spring prolonged budbreak and promoted vigorous vines. Despite slow veraison across the valley, the elevation of Outpost and True Vineyard—above the fog line—allowed for even and consistent ripening. The absence of major weather events provided excellent control over harvest dates, resulting in generally average to high yields and remarkable fruit quality. The vintage is distinguished by intense color, high concentration, a beautiful balance of sugars and acidity, and very polished tannins.
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
