Christopher Vaughn Messer

9.1

This is a polished, crowd-pleasing Cabernet that still shows real intent. Ripe black cherry and blackberry lead the charge, followed by notes of cocoa, vanilla, and a subtle cedar spice. The tannins are smooth and well-integrated, giving it an easy, confident structure without sacrificing depth. There’s just enough oak warmth to feel luxurious, but it never overwhelms the fruit.

I opened this during a family winter getaway in Atlantic City, one of those cold, quiet nights after the lights fade and the boardwalk winds down. It paired beautifully with a relaxed dinner and conversation, the kind of wine that elevates the moment without demanding attention. Approachable, reliable, and quietly refined. Indian Wells continues to earn its reputation as a go-to Cabernet with class. — 4 months ago

Cathy Levy

9.3

Lovely, deep, rich Syrah. Plums, Raisins and blackberries. — 5 months ago

Thomas

8.9

This is a nicely tasty red wine with steak. Smooth drinking. — 6 months ago

Kelley Raymond

9.1

A little jammy - needs air and time — 6 months ago

Rob Brobst III

9.9

One of the greats!!! @Paul T HB @Shay A @John Van Trijp — 7 months ago

Mary Perrotta

9.2

Smooth with a little bite but not too much that it’s overwhelming. — 8 months ago

Doug Griffin

9.2

What you expect. Saturated dark fruit, med tannins, chocolate, cherries — 3 years ago

Patrick

8.9

Blueberry — 9 years ago

Monte McCullough

8.9

Flavors of vanilla, hint of balsamic, oak, blueberry — 10 years ago

Janet Eileen

9.3

Full of body and flavor for the price. Great Friday night steak wine! — 11 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2013 vintage. Captures more than a bit of that old-school, 80's-90's Laurel Glen magic and oomph. Firing right now and for the foreseeable future. Medium/medium-heavy body. 2.18.26. — 4 months ago

Charlie Frago

9.0

Overall nice red blend. Well balanced, moderate fruit. Enjoyed — 5 months ago

Norman

8.9

I have a lot of these and most have been ok but this one was further along in its development. Knew I needed to drink these. Faster is the word of the day. — 5 months ago

Doug Adams

9.3

2018. Decanted for about an hour and improved with more time. — 6 months ago

Charlie Tapp

9.3

Dark fruit, iodine, red candy and espresso. — 9 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Outpost – Zinfandel – 2023
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A powerhouse Zinfandel from the rugged slopes of Howell Mountain. At 16.1% ABV, this wine blurs the line between classic Zin and fortified intensity, bold, muscular, and unapologetically impactful. Rare to find Zinfandel from Howell Mountain, and it shows the terroir’s distinctive stamp.

Aromas & Flavors
Jammy blackberry, black plum, and spiced cherry compote, layered with peppercorn, tobacco leaf, and cocoa nibs. Notes of fig and raisin round out the darker, concentrated fruit profile.

Mouthfeel
Full-throttle and mouth-coating. Explosive fruit upfront followed by fiery spice and dense tannins. Despite its muscle, the wine pulls through with a surprisingly hearty and lasting finish.

Food Pairings
Best with equally bold cuisine: barbecue brisket, lamb shanks, wild boar stew, or intensely spiced dishes. Could also shine next to aged blue cheese.

Verdict
A monster Zin, unapologetic, high-octane, and unforgettable. Not for the faint of heart, but for those who embrace big wines, it delivers a rare and compelling experience.

Did You Know?
Howell Mountain’s volcanic soils and high elevation are usually Cabernet Sauvignon country. Outpost’s decision to plant Zinfandel here makes this bottling one of Napa’s rare mountain Zins, combining Zin’s natural exuberance with Howell’s signature intensity. — 8 months ago

Michael Ochsner

9.2

Warm can, got it all. Boom. $20 btg wg — 8 years ago

Michael Meyer

9.4

Cut me some of that filet! — 9 years ago

KGPeace

9.0

A wine easily shared with someone that doesn't require a label. — 11 years ago

Kelly Keene

9.5

Very bold, strong, long finish, good. NOT as good after opened for awhile — 12 years ago

Heather Rostker

9.6

Excellent — 4 months ago

with Emmett and Brian

Chris MacLean

9.2

My favorite zin producer! — 5 months ago

with Jason and Eli

Brian S

9.1

This wine was an absolute beast, it's more like 16.5 abv but was still in control you could taste fruit, had deeper notes but balanced. Not my style but a glass will make me happy. — 6 months ago

Andrew Eddy

9.3

Superb. New Year’s Eve 2025.  — 6 months ago

with Lisa

Julia Indik

9.2

From the start comes pears, fig, dates. Pick up of acid then carries cocoa, apple, vanilla, and a layer of smoke. Next up come smooth tannins. Elegant balance from start to finish. — 8 months ago

with Robert

Paul K

9.1

Between 91-92. Big, dense, peppery, and fun for a not a usually Zin guy. Has boysenberry, blueberry, soy, and funk. Pretty good balance if you don’t consider the fruit. 😉 — a year ago

Michael Seely

9.0

Quite drinkable — 8 years ago

with Joe

Oscar Bonilla

9.3

Dark purple in color with notes of dark spices, licorice and blackberry. Well integrated tannins and will definitely benefit from ageing. — 9 years ago

Mike Davila

9.2

Better than I hoped for, would have been fun to taste blind. Drinking great, but ready to drink. — 10 years ago

Leith Shenstone

9.4

If you want some luxurious fruit to match your steak, once and a while, a fun break from quaffable! — 12 years ago