2023 Outpost True Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2023 Outpost True Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ranks among the absolute top of Howell Mountain and demonstrates why this high-altitude vineyard is now considered one of the most exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon locations in Napa Valley. The combination of an exceptional vintage, the expertise of Thomas Rivers Brown, and the unique terroir of True Vineyard results in a wine of immense concentration, impressive complexity, and aging potential that effortlessly spans several decades.

True Vineyard: the heart of Outpost

The history of True Vineyard begins in 1998, when Frank Dotzler purchased an undeveloped plot on Howell Mountain. The terrain was so rocky that parts of it literally had to be blasted to plant vines. It was not until 2002 that the first vines went into the ground.

The vineyard is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet, well above the Napa Valley fog line. As a result, the grapes benefit from many hours of sunshine during the day, while the nights remain significantly cooler than on the valley floor. This combination ensures a long growing season, optimal ripening, and the preservation of natural freshness.

True Vineyard is Frank Dotzler's original project and is bottled separately as Outpost's most exclusive Cabernet Sauvignon. The core of the vineyard consists of three different Cabernet Sauvignon clones sourced from Paradigm, Screaming Eagle, and Gemstone, among others. According to winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, it is precisely this clonal diversity that forms a key source of the wine's complexity.

For more information about Outpost Wines, please refer to the Winery tab.

An exceptional Howell Mountain vintage

2023 is considered by many producers to be one of the strongest Napa Valley vintages of recent years. Generous winter rains replenished water reserves, while a relatively cool spring ensured a slow and even development of the vines.

Ripening proceeded particularly favorably on Howell Mountain. Thanks to the higher elevation above the fog layer, the grapes were able to ripen gradually and homogeneously, without the extreme heat peaks experienced by some lower-lying parts of Napa Valley.

The result is a wine with a deep color, impressive concentration, vibrant acidity, and exceptionally refined tannins. The wine consists of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 85% of which were new. Total production amounted to only 633 cases, further underscoring the exclusivity of this wine.

Scent, taste and character

The 2023 Outpost True Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon opens with an impressive aromatic spectrum. Aromas of blueberries, black cherries, mulberries, and cassis form the base, complemented by floral notes of lavender and wildflowers.

Additionally, layers of pine needles, black olives, coffee beans, dark chocolate, graphite, crushed stone, and earthy nuances emerge. The complexity continues to develop as the wine lingers in the glass.

On the palate, the wine immediately displays its Howell Mountain signature. The structure is powerful and concentrated, yet remarkably refined at the same time. The texture is creamy and rich without becoming heavy. Beneath the rich fruit core, the tannins gradually build up, allowing the wine to develop increasing depth and tension.

Vibrant acidity provides energy and precision, while the mineral component ensures extra focus. Despite the immense concentration, everything remains harmonious and controlled. The combination of power, freshness, and refinement makes this wine particularly impressive.

The finish is exceptionally long and layered, with persistent notes of dark fruit, spices, coffee, cocoa, and mineral nuances that linger for minutes.

Professional reviews

The 2023 Outpost True Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is among the most highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignons from Howell Mountain.

The Wine Advocate: 98-100 points (Joe Czerwinski)
Czerwinski calls the wine impressively complex and praises the combination of floral notes, blueberries, cherries, dark chocolate, and earth. He emphasizes the creamy texture, the enormous depth, and the exceptional aging potential.

James Suckling: 98 points
Ryan Montgomery praises the refined aromas of mulberry, black olives, cassis, coffee beans, and ground stone. According to him, the wine combines precision, focus, and an impressive mineral length.

Vinous: 96 points (Antonio Galloni)
Galloni describes the wine as a classic Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon with blue and purple fruit notes, lavender, spiciness, and a powerful structure that requires patience.

The combination of these ratings confirms the status of the 2023 True Vineyard as one of the most impressive Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa Valley.

Drinking window and food and wine pairings

Although the wine is already very impressive when young, its greatest potential clearly lies in further bottle aging. The expected drinking window runs from 2030 to 2050, while earlier drinkability is possible after a few years of decanting.

Preferably serve the wine at 16 to 18°C and give it plenty of time to open up in its youth.

This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs excellently with dry-aged ribeye, côte de boeuf, game dishes, rack of lamb, short ribs, truffle dishes, and aged hard cheeses. Dishes with mushrooms or rich red wine sauces also complement its powerful structure beautifully.