2016 Howell Mountain Grenache
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
There may not be many great Grenaches produced in Napa Valley, but this is for sure one of them. Produced from 100% Alban Clone 2 Grenache, employing 100% whole cluster and aged for 14 months in neutral French oak, the medium garnet-purple colored 2016 Grenache does pirouettes out of the glass with the most gorgeous floral notions of roses, lilacs and lavender over a core of kirsch, raspberry pie and spice cake. Full-bodied, rich and spicy with tons of perfumed red fruit and a firm, plush texture (with some provocative chewiness from the stem contribution), it finishes with a peppery kick. 190 cases were produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Complex spice, white pepper, leafy herbs, conifer forest, and plenty of sweet cranberry and mulberry fruit notes emerge from the 2016 Grenache Howell Mountain. It's medium-bodied, elegant, has some exotic orange rind characteristics with time in the glass, impeccable balance, and outstanding length. It will keep for over a decade.
Outpost's 2016 Grenache is super expressive and loaded with varietal character. A rush of floral and savory notes from the 100% whole clusters add lift to a core of sweet red berry fruit, while Howell Mountain tannins give the wine its distinctive shape and overall feel. Rose petal, mint and dried cherry overtones add the closing shades of nuance.