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. — 8 hours ago

Janice in Livermore

9.2

2016 At a dinner party on Radcliffe Rd. — 3 years ago

Jenks

9.1

Big chewy grippy zin, tannin, acid, big fruit- years will do this wonders. Ridge 🎉 — 5 years ago

Tom Casagrande

9.3

No sediment, so I popped and poured. Explosive nose has super-deep, pure spicy blackberry Zin fruit. Purity of fruit is a hallmark (in my experience) of Ridge’s Dusi Ranch cuvée. There’s also a bit of clove from the American oak, but it’s pretty subtle. Great intensity of flavor in the mouth, with a soft, enveloping texture. It’s big, at 14.8%, but it’s balanced. And keeping things under 15 in Paso is challenging. Terrific wine. Yummo. — 5 months ago

Mike Viscosi

9.5

Sleep much better than I expected it’s the Grateful Dead addition and it is terrific big-time fruit taste ! — 3 years ago

ESF

8.9

Not sure if Draper is still making these wines, but Ridge has been so consistent & solid over the years... and this affordable kitchen sink blend is delicious: dark & rich, big extraction here w/mouth coating tannins and gobs of brambly red & black berry fruit. Def some oak in this bad boy, hi ABV as well. Bit unruly right now - probably needs a nap for a few years. — 5 years ago

Paul K

9.1

Between 91-92. Big, dense, peppery, and fun for a not a usually Zin guy. Has boysenberry, blueberry, soy, and funk. Pretty good balance if you don’t consider the fruit. 😉 — 8 months ago

Abbas Zand

9.2

Dark fruit notes. Big flavors of leather, smoke, bacon, spices and Oak. Full bodied with quite a bit of tannins without being too tannic. Nice and big Zin.
$25 — 9 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Lodi Zin. Dark purple color. Big aromas and flavors of blackberry , black currants and black plums. Bold and fruit forward. Plush texture and light on the tannins. Concentrated. Finish is long. Thank You Ron B! — 4 years ago

Michael Spall

9.2

Excellent spicy Zin to go along with lamb ragu with mint and jalapeño and big rotelle cooked al dente. — 5 years ago