Outpost Wines

"Any way you look at it, Outpost is making compelling wines that remain largely undiscovered and therefore still represent good value within the context of Napa Valley." — Vinous Media

Perched high above the fog-draped valleys of Napa, Outpost Wines has been quietly crafting some of California's most coveted and captivating wines from Howell Mountain's lofty elevations. With a storied past dating back to the pre-prohibition era, the site was first planted in the 1860s and has since passed through the hands of several generations. Atop rugged slopes at 1,800 - 2,200 elevations, the vineyard's high altitude and volcanic soils imbue its grapes with an inimitable character that has earned the adoration of discerning Napa enthusiasts worldwide.

Outpost Winery Napa History

While the site's history dates back to pre-prohibition times, with the first vines first planted in the 1860s, Outpost Winery was officially founded in 1998 when Terry and Juli Pringle purchased the property. Five short years later, Kathy and Frank Dotzler acquired Outpost with the help of Ren Harris of Paradigm Winery and Jean Phillips of Screaming Eagle, ushering in a new era of viticultural excellence. Under their stewardship, Outpost flourished, gaining recognition for its outstanding flagship zinfandel, a historic variety of the region, in addition to estate-grown cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, and grenache. The couple's passion for viticulture also led them to develop the nearby True Vineyard, planting it with Bordeaux varieties.

In 2018, Outpost Wines embarked on a new chapter when AXA Millésimes, the wine division of French insurance company AXA, purchased the winery from the Dotzlers for $40 million. The sale included the brand, inventory, winery facility, 28 acres of vines, and 14 unplanted acres. AXA Millésimes, also owners of Chateau Pichon Baron, retained Thomas Rivers Brown, Outpost's winemaker of nearly 20 years, ensuring that his expertise will continue to guide the winery's offerings.

Outpost Wines by Thomas Rivers Brown

In the early 2000s, Turley Wine Cellars' Ehren Jordan recognized the quality of the fruit produced at the site and began sourcing grapes from the property. Napa Valley's acclaimed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, best known for his work at Schrader Cellars, first became involved with Outpost as Jordan's assistant winemaker during this time. The following year, Brown launched his consulting business and took on Outpost as his first client. He has been at the helm of Outpost for 20 years, ensuring the production of wines of the utmost quality.

Outpost Winery Howell Mountain Terroir 

Despite the challenges posed by the high-altitude terroir, Outpost's commitment to quality has yielded an impressive portfolio of wines that showcase the distinctive qualities of the Howell Mountain appellation, an AVA defined by its elevation of 1,400 feet and above. The winery continues to push the boundaries of high-altitude viticulture, crafting limited quantities of unfined and unfiltered wines that express the unique character of this rugged, volcanic terroir.

The estate is located 2200 feet above sea level, and its two vineyards comprise 28 hectares total, located on rocky red soil. With a sunny western exposure and cool breezes, the fruit receives long sun exposure, ensuring even ripening and producing intense and rich flavors and textures. 

Outpost Wines: Estate-Grown Offerings

Outpost True Vineyard

Outpost's most acclaimed wines are sourced from the True Vineyard, a small 9-acre site located in the lofty reaches of Howell Mountain. From this vineyard, two exceptional bottlings are produced: a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and a Bordeaux blend called 'Immigrant.' The estate's limited production, typically less than 3,000 cases per year, is a testament to the challenges and rewards of high-altitude viticulture.

Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon

The Outpost Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the estate's most popular releases, with close to 1,500 cases produced each vintage. The bottles are 100% cabernet sauvignon and aged for 18 months in 85% new French oak barrels. Known for their trademark textural richness, Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon is one of Napa's top boutique and mountain-grown cabernets. 

Outpost Zinfandel

The Outpost Estate Zinfandel is the flagship label for the Howell Mountain winery. Each harvest is hand-picked and sorted before being aged for 12-15 months in 30% new French oak barrels. Only 400-500 cases are produced annually, illustrating the exclusive nature of these estate-grown wines. The bottles are celebrated for their depth, expressive nature, and concentrated flavors, making them a favorite among Napa zinfandel lovers.

The Making of Outpost Wines

To ensure the highest quality, grapes are harvested late in the season to maximize their flavor potential and are processed with minimal manipulation. The resulting wines are unfined and unfiltered, allowing the unique character of each vintage to shine through. Outpost's commitment to quality extends to their sustainable farming practices, which include updated irrigation systems, wind machines for frost protection, and a comprehensive Carbon Farm Plan, all designed to optimize the long-term health and productivity of the vines.

Outpost Winery: Add A Bottle To Your Cellar

As AXA Millésimes guides Outpost into the future, its position as a standard-bearer for the Howell Mountain appellation is poised to reach new heights. Outpost wines offer a compelling opportunity to experience the excellence of Napa Valley winemaking and the superior character of mountain-grown grapes.

As a sought-after gem in the world of fine wine, the value of Outpost Wines is only expected to increase in the future. Take advantage today and grab a bottle of the True Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon or estate-grown bottles for your collection.