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. — 6 days ago

Rob N

9.3

I seem to like this more than most! It has a soft spot in my heart because it was the red pairing during my Le Bernardin dinner in 2018 with Greg. I then bought this bottle from the vineyard and kept it for five years. It’s drinking nicely now; it opens tart but mellows with air to reveal some graceful aging. ~$75. — 2 years ago

Randall Brater

9.0

velvety, rich and creamy in texture

orange chocolate, plums, green pepper, dried figs, tart blueberries, red and black currants — 3 years ago

jim stroud

9.4

‘21 enjoyed in late 2025. At our home about a mile from the Mark Ryan Woodinville tasting room. — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2014 vintage. New release...no really! Held back for a decade until "ready." Medium-heavy body and Cabs don't get much darker in color than this. Tasted more like Spring Mountain or Mount Veeder to me tho as it was missing that Howell Mountain uppercut on the finish. Very nice and the price wasn't as ridiculous as you would expect for a decade-aged, HM Cab project. Producer to keep an eye on for down the road efforts. Heart is in the right place. 8.28.24.
— a year ago

Shengli Hu

9.3

A most beautiful ethereal Zinfandel that hearkens back to the old Napa Zins back in the 60s and 70s. A mixed black field blend of Zinfandel, Carignan, Petit Sirah. Vines were first planted in 1895, 1995 was the first vineyard (as John O didn’t care for any grapes other than Pinot Noir…) Barrels passed from from the Pinot Noir program. Aged for 18 months. Medium concentration. Pale bright ruby. Red crunchy cherry, white pepper, bread dough, blueberry pie, cedar, pencil shaving, hints of stony characters. Elevated acidity and medium-grained tannins. Med++ finish. I love how light it is on its feet and I would have never called it a Zinfandel if given in a blind tasting. — 3 years ago

Aloke Mukherjee

9.0

Sangita's 10/2/2021 — 4 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.1

Pretty simple yet kinda cool label. Has a moon and mountain theme. And the WA vibes are high with that name. It’s a classic pass over the Cascades, and a town on the drive, and some water falls. Color is good. Color of plum flesh from an Elephant Heart. Smells like wet dust in the middle of WA and grilled stone fruits. Flavors are easy and bright. Plenty of fruits, but a decent backbone too. Some anise candies to go with the berry and plum sorbet. Hint of smoke. Maybe rabbit brush. This is a classic WA wine style. And one I approve of highly. Especially for the $5 price point at Grocery Outlet. They just do good wine a great price up north. — 6 months ago

Jan de Weerd

9.5

Concentrated, focussed fruit, deeply penetrating and revealing layers of dark flavor infused with potent tannins. Not for the ‘faint of heart’ — a year ago

with Tammy

Lee Lightfoot

9.5

Best on day 3, but boy o boy it was great every time I checked in. — 4 years ago