2012 Howell Mountain Grenache

Outpost's 2012 Grenache is one of the best-kept secrets in Napa Valley. Raspberry, cranberry, wild herbs and crushed rose petals lift out of the glass in a wine that brings together varietal nuance with understated power. Whole clusters add a super-intriguing range of aromatics. Exotic, perfumed and wonderfully beguiling in its Pinot-like sense of structure, the 2012 Grenache is a winner from Outpost.

There are 325 cases of the 2012 Grenache, which exhibits a classic Grenache character of kirsch liqueur, licorice, lavender, pepper and spice. Medium to full-bodied, stunningly rich, broad, round and spicy, it is a gorgeous 100% Grenache made with 100% stems. While the color appears surprisingly uninspiring, the aromatics and flavors are on-the-money. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.

Outpost's 2012 Grenache is round, supple and gracious, with fewer of the savory notes of the 2011 and more overt fruit. The aromatic and spices notes are all there, but the 2012 has a little more density, focus and mid-palate consistency than past years. In 2012, winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown opted for slightly longer macerations. It worked. This is a fabulous wine.