Outpost Wines was established in 1998 and sits on a pristine piece of land atop Howell Mountain 2200 feet above Napa Valley. Thomas Rivers-Brown has been the winemaker from the start and has gained further acclaim making highly sought after wines for Schrader, Rivers-Marie and many others. Outpost produces Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and a Right Bank inspired blend called Immigrant. In 2018 AXA Millésimes, the wine division of a French insurance giant, bought Outpost from the Dotzler family.
Opaque purple in color. 15.1% ABV. Big, brooding nose of black fruits, tar, smoke and lavender. Full bodied with acidity in spades. Well balanced. Blackberry compote, black cherry liqueur, barbecued meats and pepper on the palate. The finish is long with gritty tannins. At fifteen years of age this Petite Sirah is somewhat approachable. That being said, well made Petite Sirah from Howell Mountain might rival any domestic red in terms of ability to age. Best over the next 6-10 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Outpost wines are only available via the mailing list and sell out quickly. Don’t miss the Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from True Vineyard. Highly recommended.