Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2014 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain – Bottle Notes

Outpost Wines was established in 1998 and sits on a pristine piece of land atop Howell Mountain 2200 feet above Napa Valley. Thomas Rivers-Brown has been the winemaker from the start and has gained further acclaim making highly sought after wines for Schrader, Rivers-Marie and many others. Outpost produces  Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Right Bank inspired blend called Immigrant. In 2018 AXA Millésimes, the wine division of a French insurance giant, bought Outpost from the Dotzler family.

Crimson in color. 16.1% ABV. Soaring nose of bright red fruits, anise and white pepper. Medium to full bodied with perfect acidity and exceptional balance. Packed with lush, rich fruits. Cherry, strawberry, raspberry liqueur and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Time has served this wine well and this bottle was unquestionably better than a bottle 18 months ago. Fantastic Zinfandel. Best over the next several years.

My rating: 95 points.

The 2020 vintage should be released next year although I am unsure of how Outpost fared with the fires.

Outpost wines are only available via the mailing list and sell out quickly. Don’t miss the Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from True Vineyard. Highly recommended.

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