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

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 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

Kevin Simback

9.1

Still showing a tad too much new oak but well structured and loads of fruit — 11 years ago

Paul St Clair

9.0

Powerfull well rounded blueberry and black currants. Soft tannins carrying pepper leather and tobacco. Well balanced with acidity that rounds out the red fruit flavors the wine is abundant with. — 7 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Blend of 69% Shiraz, 16% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from McLaren Vale, deep Ruby color with aromas of berry fruits and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of vanilla, spice, licorice and tobacco. Fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, sweet spice and earthy notes. — 8 months ago

John Mckeown

8.9

Nice everyday Pinot. — 6 years ago

Jon Ruyle

9.1

Nice. Big fruit, but not as ripe as what I expected from a barossa Shiraz. Evolved with air. Finish only slightly herby. — 8 years ago

with Eugene

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

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

Michael Retter

9.7

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

John Malcolm

9.9

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

Charlie Tapp

9.7

Exceptionally vibrant 18 years later.

My favorite zinfandel on the planet. — 10 months 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

Mike Kovacs

9.2

2012 vintage — 11 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