The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with an exciting array of black cherries, licorice, grilled herbs and new leather. It shows gorgeous textural finesse and elegance all the way through to the round, textured finish. This is an absolutely gorgeous bottle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. This is a gorgeous set of wines from Frank and Kathy Dotzler. The Outpost wines have very distinct personalities, and stand quite apart from most of what is being made in Napa Valley today, especially when it comes to Grenache, Zinfandel and Petite Syrah. The estate is located on Howell Mountain, in a very distinct microclimate that features a condensed growing season. When I visited in April this year the vines were completely dormant, yet when I returned, in late October, early morning temperatures were easily ten degrees warmer than they were on the valley floor.Tel. (707) 965-1718

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a very typical wine from this appellation. Spices, grilled herbs and new leather add considerable complexity to the dark fruit. I especially admire the finesse and fabulous overall sense of harmony here. This is a highly representative Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. This is a gorgeous set of wines from Frank and Kathy Dotzler. The Outpost wines have very distinct personalities, and stand quite apart from most of what is being made in Napa Valley today, especially when it comes to Grenache, Zinfandel and Petite Syrah. The estate is located on Howell Mountain, in a very distinct microclimate that features a condensed growing season. When I visited in April this year the vines were completely dormant, yet when I returned, in late October, early morning temperatures were easily ten degrees warmer than they were on the valley floor.Tel. (707) 965-1718

An outstanding value in Napa Cabernet, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon’s opaque ruby/purple hue is followed by copious notes of crushed rock, blueberry pie, pen ink and black fruits. Full-bodied, opulent and fleshy with impressive purity and a long finish, this terrific Cabernet can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years. Proprietors Kathy and Frank Dotzler along with winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown have quickly pushed this estate high on Howell Mountain to one of the leaders of that appellation. These wines all possess considerable character and the 2008s have certainly lived up to my forecast from last year, especially the Cabernets, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel.Tel. (707) 965-1718; Fax (707) 965-1761