Breuvages Octane
Domaine la Cabotte
Gabriel Massif d'Uchaux 2020
La Cabotte, Massif d’Uchaux, Cuvée Gabriel 15% ABV (2020).
Robust notes of black cherry, plum, fresh fig, kirsch, also vegetal, stone, fennel, peat moss, forest floor, and meat notes.
Biodynamic and Organic. A southern Rhône, Grenache blend - a Côtes du Rhône Villages.
Very delish!! The high octane/alcohol nature is well-integrated with the powerful aromas and flavors and soft tannins.
— 3 years ago
Salvatore Molettieri
Vigna Cinque Querce Taurasi Aglianico 2008
La Cappuccina
Madègo Veneto IGT Red Blend 2018
Dry leaves, nutmeg on the nose. Not overly fruit forward, really nicely balanced when it opened up. Also appreciate the lower octane at 13%. We can drink a second bottle. 😉 — 7 months ago
Kenefick Ranch
Estate Grown Calistoga Merlot 2015
Popped and poured. This was a selection from a friend’s cellar and since I just enjoyed a couple bottles of Merlot the other night, I figure we might as well check in on this 2015 from Kenefick Ranch. Popped and poured, the wine pours a deep purple color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, this smells like a big wine. Developing, with powerful notes of plums, blackberries, purple flowers, vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, this tastes like a big wine. Dry with medium tannins and medium(+?) acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This is a high alcohol, high octane version of Merlot. Drink now and through 2030. — 2 years ago
Venge Vineyards
Silencieux Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
The past just washed into the present. This is totally whole-grain. Sexy and pure high-octane fuel, even though it was born during a lousy vintage. — 2 years ago
Clos Saint Jean
Vieilles Vignes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2019
This is a medium ruby wine with medium(+) intensity of ripe plum, prune, red currant, black cherry, violet, anise seed, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, leather, and forest floor notes.
Tannins are ripe, fine-grained, and well-integrated. Alcohol is high!!! 16% ABV.
This is a ripe, full-bodied, and high octane wine that has great potential for further aging. I’m excited to revisit down the road.
Clos Saint Jean Vieilles Vignes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge (2019) — 2 years ago
Malvirà
Roero Nebbiolo 2017
Fruit forward, cherries and strawberries, high octane tannins and acid, but all in balance and paired wonderfully with rich wagyu and seafood stew. — 3 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
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. — 21 hours ago