Outpost Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
(Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California) - [WA 95] [JS 95] [JD 93] [VM 91]

About the Winery:
Outpost was established in 1998 with the vision of producing wines that are a living, breathing embodiment of this magical place. Truly one of the world’s great Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel growing regions, the unique terroir of the Outpost vineyards – the hard, rocky red soil, high altitude, gentle cooling breezes and sunny western exposure – produces fruit of incredible intensity and richness, with a distinctive spice you simply cannot find anywhere else.

About this Wine:
The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the very best vineyard blocks located between 1,800 and 2,200 feet in elevation. Grapes from each block within the vineyard are fermented separately so that the winemaking team can be very selective about the lots that comprise the final blend. Wines are neither fined or filtered allowing for the full expression of the vintages' potential.

The Vintage:
2022 was another superb vintage at Outpost. Summer produced warm days and resulted in one of the hottest growing seasons in 10 years. However, a rain event after extreme heat in September was followed by relatively cool temperatures late into the growing season and allowed for extended hang time and optimal ripening as we harvested under perfect conditions in October, between the 1st and 20th. Typical of the wine produced from the Estate Vineyard, the 2022's hold onto a beautiful sense of freshness and purity while being concentrated, rich, and structured.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Ageing: 18 months in 85% new French oak barrels
Winemaker: Thomas Rivers-Brown

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Wine Advocate: 
"While I often get pine-like aromas from Howell Mountain Cabs, in Outpost's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon the herbal notions are more like thyme and sage alongside lovely cassis fruit. Full-bodied and supple, with a silky feel, the wine finishes with impressive length and hints of mocha and dark chocolate."

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Plush, super-ripe and full-bodied, a massive but polished wine that’s delicious and well structured for further aging. Blackberries, dried blueberries, creme de cassis, toast and a hint of oak char. A big, beautiful wine that’s easy to sip despite its sheer size.  Drinkable now, but best from 2029. - Jim Gordon (Dec 2024)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
Cassis, graphite, violets, and spring flower notes shine in Outpost's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, a rich, medium to full-bodied 2022 that has good concentration, ripe tannins, and a balanced, satisfying, layered style." - JD (Jan 2025)

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain) is another terrific wine from Outpost in this challenging vintage. A rush of dark-toned fruit makes a strong opening statement. The 2022 has very good depth and fine balance. Only a slightly large grain in the tannin is a reminder of the challenges of the growing season, but those contours soften with a bit of air. Otherwise, this is nicely done. (Drink between 2026-2032)" - Antonio Galloni (May 2025)