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Outpost Howell Mountain Zinfandel 2015
94 points - rare One of California's finest Zinfandel producers - always extremely limited. 94 Points Robert Parker: "The 2012 Zinfandel is 100% Zinfandel aged 16 months in two-thirds used French oak and one-third new oak. It boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with peppery, meaty notes intermixed with loads of raspberry and black cherry fruit. Full-bodied with no hard edges, this beauty should drink well for 5-8 years... ...This is a fabulous source of terrific wines from owners Kathy and Frank Dotzler and their multi-talented winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown. Not only are the wines outstanding, but their pricing policy is among the less ego-driven in Napa Valley. That is to be applauded. The 2012s are sexy, outrageously fruity, gorgeous wines that are as sensual as you could want. For me, the two finest Grenaches being made in California come from Alban’s Edna Valley Vineyard, and Manfred and Elaine Krankl’s Sine Qua Non further south. However, I must say the Outpost Grenache from Howell Mountain (from the Alban Clone which reportedly was suitcased from cuttings at Châteauneuf du Pape’s Château Rayas) is spectacular. "
Ratings on Delectable
David T 
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Similar notes to the 14 I previously posted. Fresh & riper, better acidity and fruity finish. Fresher due to the younger vintage, not that I didn’t feel it wasn’t open too long. It was still a little watery & flabby. They should have used a Coravain on the previous tasting(s). Photos of, their Zinfandel vineyard as viewed from the deck of their tasting room, private dining & tasting room, center of their wall cabinet in their private tasting room and their sloping hillside vines towards the backend of their property.
Similar notes to the 14 I previously posted. Fresh & riper, better acidity and fruity finish. Fresher due to the younger vintage, not that I didn’t feel it wasn’t open too long. It was still a little watery & flabby. They should have used a Coravain on the previous tasting(s). Photos of, their Zinfandel vineyard as viewed from the deck of their tasting room, private dining & tasting room, center of their wall cabinet in their private tasting room and their sloping hillside vines towards the backend of their property.
9.2
Shawn R
Drank along side the 16, you are splitting hairs in determine which is better. I’m not a big Zin drinker however, this is another level of Zin!
Drank along side the 16, you are splitting hairs in determine which is better. I’m not a big Zin drinker however, this is another level of Zin!
9.3
Shay A
Another 4th Friday for the books! Insane pulls this month to follow up the most epic month (April) that we’ve ever had! Lots of similarities to Lamborn’s zin here. Very lush. Fruit was very dark and concentrated (blackberries, blueberries). A cool “mint” note that I always get from Howell Mtn zins. Finish is like enjoying an Andes Mint (milk chocolate and mint together).
Another 4th Friday for the books! Insane pulls this month to follow up the most epic month (April) that we’ve ever had! Lots of similarities to Lamborn’s zin here. Very lush. Fruit was very dark and concentrated (blackberries, blueberries). A cool “mint” note that I always get from Howell Mtn zins. Finish is like enjoying an Andes Mint (milk chocolate and mint together).
9.3
Katherine Bordelon
Court of Master Sommelier Guild member
Always a beautiful experience at this rustic winery. Delicious Zin, rich, chewy, hints of tobacco, ripe fruit, balanced, savory with our picnic of cheeses, meats and fruits. A vineyard puppy, Cooper was on hand to add some furry companionship this day.
Always a beautiful experience at this rustic winery. Delicious Zin, rich, chewy, hints of tobacco, ripe fruit, balanced, savory with our picnic of cheeses, meats and fruits. A vineyard puppy, Cooper was on hand to add some furry companionship this day.
9.0
Norman Gennaro
Tasty
Tasty
9.4Norman Gennaro
Always a mom favorite.
Always a mom favorite.
9.3
Doug Griffin
Yea, digging this. Lush blackberry and blueberry fruit, a touch pruny but not over the top. Cigar tobacco, pepper and some heat to round it out. Delicious
Yea, digging this. Lush blackberry and blueberry fruit, a touch pruny but not over the top. Cigar tobacco, pepper and some heat to round it out. Delicious
9.2
Laith A
This is in a great spot right now! Not too jammy or peppery! Just right in my opinion! Loved it!
This is in a great spot right now! Not too jammy or peppery! Just right in my opinion! Loved it!
9.4
MK
Happy Birthday Matt!
Happy Birthday Matt!
10
Jeffrey Horvath
It’s a pretty good zin- nice fruit and some florals. But 16.1% is just too hot to enjoy for me.
It’s a pretty good zin- nice fruit and some florals. But 16.1% is just too hot to enjoy for me.
8.7
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