Outerbound 2020 Reserve Cabernet

The 2020 Outerbound Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from North Coast Wine Co. stands as a true testament to the potential of the Alexander Valley terroir. This meticulously crafted wine is the epitome of precision and power, a harmonious symphony of dark fruit complexity and structural brilliance. From the first pour, this Cabernet asserts itself with a commanding presence, revealing layers of blackcurrant, licorice, and cedar box, intertwined with subtle notes of cassis and sage. The aromatic profile is deeply alluring, offering a bouquet that promises a journey into a wine of profound depth and character.

On the palate, the 2020 Outerbound Reserve explodes with concentrated flavors that are both rich and refined. The tannins are beautifully integrated, offering a firm yet elegant structure that carries the wine through a long, brisk finish. The interplay of fruit, oak, and acidity is masterfully balanced, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail that went into every step of the winemaking process. Aged for 21 months in French oak, with 60% being new, this wine has developed a complexity that is both immediate and promising for those who wish to cellar it.

The vineyards that birth this wine are as exceptional as the wine itself. The Smith Ranch, perched at 600 feet on a hillside in the Alexander Valley, is a site of rare beauty and viticultural excellence. Its unique position allows the grapes to benefit from both western and eastern exposures, ensuring a full expression of the vineyard's terroir in every bottle. The Wessel vineyard, another crucial component, adds a layer of finesse with its well-managed blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, where prominent tannin structures are carefully nurtured by the skilled hands of Grower Dennis Wessel. Finally, the Estate vineyard, with its diverse topography and microclimates, contributes to the wine's depth and complexity, offering fruit that is as varied as it is exceptional.

The 2020 Outerbound Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that demands attention, a true showcase of what the Alexander Valley can achieve in the hands of a dedicated winemaking team. With only 500 cases produced, this is a rare and special wine that will undoubtedly reward those who seek out its pleasures. Whether enjoyed now or after several years of careful aging, this Cabernet promises a tasting experience that is both profound and unforgettable—a masterpiece of modern California winemaking.

Alcohol: 14.5%

92 POINTS - "The 2020 Outerbound Red from Alexander Valley is a ripe, red-fruited wine, bursting with notes of red liquorice, candied cherry, red-leaf tobacco and rose-petal florals. Plump and enticing, it is framed by fine-grained tannins that add a touch of grip on the finish, though overall this remains a fruit-driven, easy-going porch-pounder. Aged in 60% new French oak, the grapes are sourced from Wessel and Smith Ranch in Sonoma County." - Decanter

91 POINTS - "A tangy, vibrant take on Cabernet, this wine is alive with acidity and firm tannins that lift cranberry, raspberry and sour cherry flavors across the palate and through the finish. Best from 2025." - Wine Enthusiast

91 POINTS - "A full-bodied wine that is complex, compelling, structured and mouthwatering. Earthy and savory on the nose, with plums, dried oregano and fresh sage. Plush tannins, black fruit flavors and a really nice rush of fruit at the end. Drink now." - James Suckling

With a focus on power and precision, our Alexander Valley Reserve Cab encourages further exploration from first taste. Coated layers of dark fruit, black licorice, cedar box, cassis, and sage explode on the palate to then be reined in by firm tannins and brisk acidity pulling through the finish.