{"title":"Outpost Howell Mountain","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"outpost-howell-mountain-cabernet-sauvignon-2022","title":"Outpost Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutpost Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley's Howell Mountain AVA, bottled at 14.0% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown from high-elevation vineyard blocks between 1,800 and 2,200 feet, this limited-production wine—just 1,780 cases—delivers the concentrated, mineral-driven character that defines mountain-grown Napa Cabernet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.0%  |  Origin: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2022  |  Producer: Outpost Wines  |  Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOutpost Wines farms some of the highest-elevation vineyard sites on Howell Mountain, a rugged sub-appellation northeast of St. Helena known for volcanic soils, intense sunlight, and cool nighttime temperatures that slow ripening. Grapes from each vineyard block are fermented separately, giving Brown maximum flexibility during the blending process. The finished wine spends 18 months in 85% new French oak barrels and is released neither fined nor filtered, preserving the full aromatic and textural expression of the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with deep layers of blackberry, blueberry, and cassis before darker notes of graphite, crushed stone, and dark chocolate emerge. Pine, cracked pepper, and spicy-resinous herbs add complexity as the wine breathes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is full-bodied and richly concentrated, rolling across the palate with broad, luxurious texture. Mid-palate, black cherry, crushed plum, and earth mingle with violet, leather, and cedar flavors. Despite the density, a bright vein of freshness and mineral lift keeps everything in balance, preventing any sense of heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Firm, sandy tannins frame a supple and velvety close that lingers well. Graphite and dark fruit persist alongside subtle spice and black olive undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Outpost Howell Mountain\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA wine of this structure and concentration is best served neat in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass at around 64–66°F; a 30-minute decant helps open the aromatics and soften the tannins. While this is primarily a sipping wine, it holds its own in bolder wine-based preparations: a \u003cstrong\u003eCabernet Reduction Sauce\u003c\/strong\u003e poured over grilled ribeye showcases the wine's dark fruit intensity; a \u003cstrong\u003eWine-Braised Short Rib\u003c\/strong\u003e dish mirrors its earthy, spice-driven profile; and a classic \u003cstrong\u003eSangria Negra\u003c\/strong\u003e built on mountain Cabernet gains serious depth from the wine's concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a Napa Valley vertical tasting alongside other Howell Mountain vintages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a serious Cabernet collector who values mountain-grown expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a celebratory steak dinner or holiday roast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for medium- to long-term aging given the wine's tannic structure and concentration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Outpost Howell Mountain taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers a rich core of blackberry, blueberry, and crushed plum supported by graphite, dark chocolate, and cedar, with firm sandy tannins and a velvety finish. The overall impression is full-bodied and deeply concentrated yet balanced by mineral freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Outpost Howell Mountain compare to Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are benchmark Howell Mountain Cabernets, but Dunn is historically known for an austere, age-demanding style with less new oak influence, while Outpost's 85% new French oak program and unfined, unfiltered approach yield a more opulent, texturally rich wine on release. Dunn typically benefits from longer cellaring before reaching approachability.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Outpost Howell Mountain good for cellaring?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—the firm tannic structure, high concentration, and balanced acidity suggest this wine will develop well over 10 to 20 years in a temperature-controlled cellar, though it is already approachable with decanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Outpost Howell Mountain made?\u003c\/strong\u003e The wine is produced by Outpost Wines from estate vineyards on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley, California, at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,200 feet above sea level. The high-altitude site sits above the fog line, giving vines more direct sunlight and dramatic diurnal temperature swings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Outpost Howell Mountain?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye steak works exceptionally well, matching the wine's tannic grip and dark fruit weight. Braised lamb shanks echo its earthy, spice-driven character. Aged Gruyère or Comté cheeses complement the cedar and graphite notes. Roasted portobello mushrooms with truffle oil mirror the wine's savory depth. Dark-chocolate desserts with a hint of espresso harmonize with its cocoa-edged finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Outpost Howell Mountain come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle; availability in other formats may vary by vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Outpost Howell Mountain worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Outpost Howell Mountain positions as a premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon produced in very limited quantities—only 1,780 cases for the 2022 vintage. The combination of high-elevation fruit, a renowned winemaker in Thomas Rivers Brown, and an unfined\/unfiltered production approach places it firmly in the upper tier of mountain Cabernets, representing strong value relative to Napa cult wines produced in similar volumes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Outpost Howell Mountain?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowded field of Napa Cabernets starts with elevation: fruit grown between 1,800 and 2,200 feet develops thicker skins, deeper color, and more concentrated flavors than valley-floor vineyards typically achieve. Thomas Rivers Brown—one of Napa's most sought-after winemakers—amplifies that raw material through block-by-block fermentation and aging in predominantly new French oak, then bottles without fining or filtering. At just 1,780 cases, the 2022 vintage is genuinely scarce, and the wine's combination of power, freshness, and mineral complexity illustrates why Howell Mountain continues to be one of California's most respected appellations for Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Outpost Howell Mountain","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837616156841,"sku":"26844","price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Outpost-Howell-Mountain-Cabernet-Sauvignon-2011__06157.jpg?v=1730488276"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/outpost-howell-mountain.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}