Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

Zinfandel of the Month – 2006 Outpost Zinfandel

Zinfandel of the Month is a new feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. For a little background please see the first installment published two months ago. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.

The December Zinfandel of the Month is the 2006 Outpost.

Outpost 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. Besides Zinfandel, Outpost also produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache.

The fruit for the Howell Mountain Zinfandel is a combination old vine and young vine planted in ’78 and ’00 respectively. Crimson in color. 16.2% ABV. Concentrated aromas of dark fruits, white pepper and molasses. Big and structured. Textbook Howell Mountain profile. Medium body. Raspberry, plum, licorice and boysenberry on the palate. Dusty tannins on the incredibly long, sweet finish. Drink over the next 1-2 years.

My rating: 92 points.

Outpost wines are only available via the mailing list and sell out quickly. Highly recommended.

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