Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Fairly consistent throughout. The 2004 pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and slightly desiccated, black and red fruits: black currants, blackberries, black cherry, tobacco, Poblano pepper, pencil shavings, purple flowers, dry rocky earth, a touch of leather, and a combination of cool and fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (that is well integrated), and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and slightly savory. Showing really well and squarely in the zone. Drink now through 2034. — 5 months ago

Tom Casagrande

9.4

These are recalled impressions, not contemporaneous notes, from two nights ago, when the family council of elders met for a steak/wine pairing event at my brother Angelo’s house.

Another consensus favorite, the ‘16 version is stellar. So deep, but with that elusive (for Zin) old-world sense of balance, structure, and restraint. Paired beautifully with both kinds of steaks — 6 months ago

with Dan and Angelo

Norman

9.0

Wanted more from this. Lacked energy/acid — 6 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

1979 vintage. Last tasted 8.15.25 (9.4) and 7.15.25 (9.4). Decanted and tasted after 15 minutes. Still giving and surprisingly filled with life. Forced, begrudging retirement but still über-active and outpacing every senior member in your zip code...er...cellar. Just won the yearly Pickleball tourney-again. Suck it, neighbor. 12.10.25. — 6 months ago

Julia Indik

9.2

From the start comes pears, fig, dates. Pick up of acid then carries cocoa, apple, vanilla, and a layer of smoke. Next up come smooth tannins. Elegant balance from start to finish. — 7 months ago

with Robert

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Outpost – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2022
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Crafted in limited quantities by famed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, this Howell Mountain Cabernet is the epitome of intensity and mountain-driven elegance. Rugged terroir and meticulous cellar work combine to deliver a bold, structured wine with remarkable depth.

Aromas & Flavors
Opens with graphite, blackcurrant, and dried tobacco leaf. Layers of leather, espresso, and blackberry compote unfold, followed by subtle hints of cedar and crushed herbs.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and powerful, yet finely knit. Dense, mouth-coating tannins frame the dark fruit core, while a long, brooding finish leaves behind savory and mineral echoes.

Food Pairings
Perfect with char-grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, venison, or a rich mushroom ragù.

Verdict
A serious mountain Cabernet, intense, deep, and age-worthy. Already impressive young but destined to shine with time in the cellar.

Did You Know?
Howell Mountain was Napa Valley’s first sub-AVA (1983) and is known for producing Cabernets with higher acidity, bold tannins, and dark fruit concentration thanks to its volcanic soils and elevated vineyards. — 8 months ago

Brian S

9.1

This wine was an absolute beast, it's more like 16.5 abv but was still in control you could taste fruit, had deeper notes but balanced. Not my style but a glass will make me happy. — 5 months ago

Norman

8.9

I have a lot of these and most have been ok but this one was further along in its development. Knew I needed to drink these. Faster is the word of the day. — 5 months ago

Kelley Raymond

9.1

A little jammy - needs air and time — 6 months ago

Heather Robinson

8.9

We have this at Bravo - nice and bold but goes well with restaurant dishes — 6 months ago

Paul K

9.3

So consistent, so good. — 6 months ago

Rob Brobst III

9.9

One of the greats!!! @Paul T HB @Shay A @John Van Trijp — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Outpost – Zinfandel – 2023
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A powerhouse Zinfandel from the rugged slopes of Howell Mountain. At 16.1% ABV, this wine blurs the line between classic Zin and fortified intensity, bold, muscular, and unapologetically impactful. Rare to find Zinfandel from Howell Mountain, and it shows the terroir’s distinctive stamp.

Aromas & Flavors
Jammy blackberry, black plum, and spiced cherry compote, layered with peppercorn, tobacco leaf, and cocoa nibs. Notes of fig and raisin round out the darker, concentrated fruit profile.

Mouthfeel
Full-throttle and mouth-coating. Explosive fruit upfront followed by fiery spice and dense tannins. Despite its muscle, the wine pulls through with a surprisingly hearty and lasting finish.

Food Pairings
Best with equally bold cuisine: barbecue brisket, lamb shanks, wild boar stew, or intensely spiced dishes. Could also shine next to aged blue cheese.

Verdict
A monster Zin, unapologetic, high-octane, and unforgettable. Not for the faint of heart, but for those who embrace big wines, it delivers a rare and compelling experience.

Did You Know?
Howell Mountain’s volcanic soils and high elevation are usually Cabernet Sauvignon country. Outpost’s decision to plant Zinfandel here makes this bottling one of Napa’s rare mountain Zins, combining Zin’s natural exuberance with Howell’s signature intensity. — 8 months ago

Paul K

9.3

Instead of dry January, I’m doing 10 year old January. It’s more fun. This is great. Checking in after a couple years and it’s progressing nicely. Still tight in the nose but opens up after 3 hours. — 5 months ago

Jerry Raphael

9.5

Well, here we are two years later, back at the same BYOB for New Year’s Eve with the same wine. I figured 35 years was enough—it was time to drink it.
Same treatment as in 2024: opened and decanted, then poured about two hours later. This time the nose offered noticeably more—cedar, a touch of vegetal character, and dark berries. On the palate, dark berries again took the lead. The finish was good, but at the very end it seemed to stop just a bit short but still giving it a 95. At Anthony’s — 6 months ago

Andrew Eddy

9.3

Superb. New Year’s Eve 2025.  — 6 months ago

with Lisa

Charlie Tapp

9.3

Dark fruit, iodine, red candy and espresso. — 9 months ago

Hillary Johnson

9.2

Shockingly great. Only Malbec I drink — 7 months ago

"Odedi"

9.4

Dark ruby in color with a short purple rim.

Fruity nose of black currants, plums, cooked cherries, spices, mint, vanilla, cedar, cola, licorice, eucalyptus and peppercorn.

Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate and fruit forward with blackberries, black currants, plums, cooked cherries, cedar, licorice, spices, graphite, peppercorn and black tea

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a gorgeous 12 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain in Washington State. Complex and fruit forward. Rich and elegant.

I had a more recent vintage not too long ago, and it’s definitely better with age.

This Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely fantastic now. Drinking at its peak, and will continue to drink nicely in the next 7 years.

Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel and a gorgeous nose. Loved smelling on it. The high alcohol is well integrated by now.

Good by itself as a sipping wine, and paired beautifully with the delicious Wagyu Steak.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were aged in all new French oak barrels for 20 months.

15.2% alcohol by volume.

94 points.

$180. — 7 months ago

Ken Venezio

9.6

Just stunning. All the benefits of bottle age, complexity and finesse make this a superb Howell Mtn Cab. Loads of up front mountain fruit, a nice floral nose and balance through the mid palate ending in a long romantic finish. Touché to the older days of Ladera. — 8 months ago