OUTPOST

Thorman Hunt is delighted to announce its appointment as exclusive UK importer for Outpost Wines, an extraordinary Californian estate owned by AXA Millésimes.  

Over the past decades AXA Millésimes has assembled one of the world’s most impressive vineyard portfolios, guided by Christian Seely, whose expertise ensures their vision is realised. The estate also works with renowned consulting winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown to create their wines. 

Outpost sits on the rocky volcanic soils of Howell Mountain, at 550–670m above the fog line. Warm mornings with early sunlight, cooler afternoons, and consistent breezes create a unique Napa Valley environment. Cabernet Sauvignon is the focus, with small plantings of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, and Zinfandel adding diversity. The brown and red Aiken loam and clay soils are deep, well drained, and weathered from volcanic rock. Summers are warm and dry, while winters bring above-average California rainfall. Surrounded by coniferous forests, the estate shares its habitat with hawks, black bears, foxes, and jackrabbits.  

“Across the board, these are world-class wines turned out by an organization that manages to combine the near-infinite resources of a global megacorporation (AXA) with the soulful management of a founder and the deft winemaking touch of Thomas Rivers Brown.” – Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker  

Outpost Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon captures the intensity and elegance of its high-altitude site. Grown on volcanic soils above the fog line, the grapes are hand-harvested to preserve their purity and distinctive mountain character. The wine is concentrated and structured yet retains a remarkable sense of freshness and clarity. Plush dark fruits, blackcurrant, and hints of spice are framed by silky tannins and subtle oak influence from 18 months in French barrels, 85% new. It is a full-bodied Cabernet with impressive length, depth, and the precision that defines Howell Mountain.

Outpost Howell Mountain Estate “True Vineyard” Immigrant comes entirely from the True Vineyard, located at 1,800 feet. Grapes are hand-harvested at dawn to retain intensity and express the vineyard’s signature spicy, red-fruited character. Co-fermented blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot create wines that are full-bodied, supple, and velvety, with layered aromas of dark cherry, cassis, herbs, and hints of chocolate. Carefully aged in mostly new French oak barrels, these wines combine richness with freshness and structure, offering exceptional complexity and the ability to age gracefully.

Outpost Howell Mountain “True Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the highest blocks of the True Vineyard. Fermented and aged to highlight purity, power, and elegance, it shows dark fruit, graphite, floral notes, and subtle mountain spice. Rich and concentrated, the wine is balanced by velvety tannins and a long, precise finish, exemplifying the mountain’s unique terroir. 18–19 months in 85–90% new French oak enhances the wine’s structure and depth without overshadowing the varietal expression, resulting in a full-bodied, age-worthy Cabernet of remarkable clarity and finesse.

https://www.outpostwines.com