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. — 7 months ago

Randy Fillingim

9.5

As good a Pinot - 2009. - that I have had. Seamless. Tannins and fruits in near perfect harmony. Initial taste - amazing. AND it finishes just as good. — 5 years ago

J Chechik

9.3

Delicious. Huge cherry fruit & long finish. Wonderful treat. . — 7 years ago

Jim Stehli

9.0

Nice fruit — 8 years ago

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 Kovacs

9.2

2012 vintage — 11 years ago

Ken Venezio

9.6

Just stunning. All the benefits of bottle age, complexity and finesse make this a superb Howell Mtn Cab. Loads of up front mountain fruit, a nice floral nose and balance through the mid palate ending in a long romantic finish. Touché to the older days of Ladera. — 7 months ago

Charlie Tapp

9.7

Exceptionally vibrant 18 years later.

My favorite zinfandel on the planet. — 10 months ago

Peter Sidell

9.4

Kind to the palate — 6 years ago

Amy Yan

9.1

Hit the wine jackpot on a work trip! One of two leftovers from the table next to me! Excellent Pinot. Lots of fruit and doesn't taste like a classic Pinot. Smokey wine indeed! — 8 years ago

Michael Ochsner

9.2

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

Michael Retter

9.7

Great fruit. Soft tannins. Really well balanced. Great bottle of wine. — 12 years ago

John Malcolm

9.9

A stunning wine! Cedar, black currants, fig, dark chocolate, and truffles. Deep purple with a fabulous finish. — 9 months ago

Kristin the Wine Girl

9.4

So full bodied and rich, we paired it with crisped caramel chocolate blocks - yum! — 9 months ago

Kirt Boxell

9.5

I love the balance and intensity of this Chardonnay — 6 years ago

Michael Seely

9.0

Quite drinkable — 8 years ago

with Joe

Michael Meyer

9.4

Cut me some of that filet! — 9 years ago

Mayuka Yatomi

9.0

It needs to be decanted. Elegant black cherries, baking spices, soft leather, and hint of eucalyptus. Silky tannins. Medium to medium plus finis. — 10 years ago

Mike Peterson

9.0

Good, not great. Classic 2000 vintage. Nice fruit but not special. No complexity. Dark nose and dark flat fruit. No bad for the Super Bowl. — 13 years ago