AN EXCEPTIONAL MOUNTAIN TERROIR
Where rivers, creeks and property lines usually define an American Viticultural Area (AVA), the boundaries of the Howell Mountain AVA are defined by an elevation of 1,400 feet. Our Estate and vineyards sit "above the fog" rising from 1,800 to 2,200 feet. Warm mornings drenched in early sunlight followed by cooler afternoon temperatures and consistent breezes provide an environment for wines that is truly unique within the Napa Valley.
We feel privileged to farm 45-acres of truly exceptional mountain terroir. The Estate Vineyard is just under 20-acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Grenache. Our 9-acre True Vineyard located just a few hundred feet below the Estate property is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. A new development added in 2021, will provide 16-acres of additional vines and has been meticulously replanted to match the exact clones and rootstock that we know best.
Primarily composed of brown and red Aiken loam and clay, the soils are deep and well drained having weathered from rocky volcanic materials. Summers are warm and dry while our winter months can provide above-average rainfall for the state of California. Surrounded by coniferous forests, we share this natural habitat with native hawks, black bear, fox and jackrabbit that find harmony among our hillsides.
At Outpost, we take our role as stewards of the land very seriously, employing sustainable farming practices at every stage of cultivation. Over the years, we have updated our irrigation systems to limit water waste and installed new wind machines to protect several blocks from potential frost. We have also completed our Carbon Farm Plan to make certain we are doing our part for carbon neutrality.
New landscaping projects have integrated a new habitat for the native Monarch Butterfly and we have worked with the Napa County Resource Conservation District to plant indigenous plants that attract pollinators and increase biodiversity. Forest management is a high priority at each of our sites and we work with local ranchers to find alternatives to herbicides that will control underbrush. Herds of goats have been the most promising solution for our steep and rocky terrain.
During the winter months, the use of sheep in the vineyards has been a welcome addition. They have reduced the use of tractors and provided a much gentler footprint. We are closing the loop of the agricultural circle and we are happy to be working towards the most sustainable estate we can possibly have.
The result is a higher quality fruit with expressive consistency. Each vintage we produce wines that possess a remarkable sense of place. We strive to create a growing legacy year after year, vintage after vintage.
Estate Vineyard
Cabernet Sauvignon, cir. 13 acres
Clones: 6, Jenkins, 7, Jackson, P, 337, 341, 4, 332, See
Rootstock: 110R, 420A, 3309
Zinfandel, cir. 5 acres
Clone: Wente
Grenache, cir. 1.3 acres
Clone: Alban 2
True Vineyard
Cabernet Sauvignon, cir. 7 acres
Clones: 6, Jenkins, 7, Jackson, P, 337, 341, 4, 332, See
Rootstock: 110R, 420A, 3309
Cabernet Franc, cir. 1 acre
Clones: Godess, 332
Merlot, cir. 1 acre
Clone: 314