Outpost Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

There are three Cabernet Sauvignon releases. Starting with the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, this inky blue/purple-hued Cabernet gives up a smoky, meaty nose of classic Howell Mountain blue and black fruits, smoked tobacco, graphite, and crushed stone-like minerality. It hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness as well as beautiful purity of fruit. However, there are off-putting, chewy, coarse tannins that mar an otherwise outstanding wine. Odds are, there's some low-level smoke taint here, and while this is unquestionably enjoyable (I followed the bottle for multiple days), I would urge caution as well as planning on early drinking.