2008 Outpost Zinfandel
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Tasting notes
Good deep red. High-toned aromas of plum, mocha, licorice, menthol, black pepper and exotic herbs. Plump, lush and sweet, with harmonious acidity framing the redcurrant and spice flavors. Finishes with substantial ripe, building tannins and repeating notes of pepper and menthol. This is creamier than usual for this consistently excellent zinfandel at this early stage but there's no shortage of structure or minerality here.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A brilliant 2008 Zinfandel from Howell Mountain exhibits abundant notes of raspberries, briery mountain fruit and spice intermixed with good minerality and a medium to full-bodied, pure, long finish. Outpost has done a terrific job from this site, the old Lamborn Family Vineyard. Proprietors Kathy and Frank Dotzler along with winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown have quickly pushed this estate high on Howell Mountain to one of the leaders of that appellation. These wines all possess considerable character and the 2008s have certainly lived up to my forecast from last year, especially the Cabernets, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. Tel. (707) 965-1718; Fax (707) 965-1761
A brilliant zin, the 2008 Outpost Zinfandel, 100% Zinfandel aged in 1/3 new, 1/3 1-year, and 1/3 2-year old barrels, displays gorgeous, complex aromatics of briary blackberry and cassis styled fruits, toasty spice, licorice, minerals, and cocoa powder. These are followed by a medium to full bodied wine that’s perfectly balanced, showing firm underlying structure, good precision, and a long, decadent finish. Absolutely delicious now, this has solid structure and should age beautifully.