2011 Outpost Zinfandel
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Tasting notes
(aged in one-third new oak): Deep red. Aromas of licorice, plum and nutty oak. Sweet, ripe plum fruit is lifted by flowers, pepper and spices. Briary and intensely flavored and not at all green. At this point in my tasting with Thomas Brown at Outpost, he expressed his opinion that the Howell Mountain AVA was very successful in 2011.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A surprisingly rich, boisterous wine for the year, the 2011 Zinfandel is intense to the core. Cassis, blackberry jam, cloves, violets and menthol take shape in an exuberant, highly expressive wine. White pepper, espresso and purplish saturate the finish. This is a decidedly fruit-driven style of Zinfandel that speaks more eloquently of Howell Mountain than it expresses the level of varietal character typical of Zinfandels in other part of California. That is not a criticism, but more of an observation.
Just how terrific the 2011 vintage was on the high elevation of Howell Mountain is evidenced by the 2011 Zinfandel. Made from 100% Zinfandel, this beauty spent 16 months in French oak (34% new). It exhibits the briery, peppery, meaty side of Zinfandel, a dense ruby/plum color, full-bodied richness and loads of fruit and character. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. This property high on Howell Mountain at an amazing elevation of 1,800 feet is owned by Kathy and Frank Dotzler. The debut vintage was 1998. They had the good sense to bring in Thomas Brown as their winemaker, and the results have included some terrific wines. This current group proves several points: 1.-2011 was a remarkably fine vintage on Howell Mountain; 2.- Outpost is intent on producing some of the world’s finest wines; 3.- this may be the finest Grenache made in northern California; and 4.- if you are a lover of complex, delicious wines, you should check out these Outpost offerings ASAP. Outpost has 19 acres under vine, 9 of which comprise their flagship True Vineyard. Five cuvees are currently being produced. Tel. (707) 965-1718
Another impressive wine, the 2010 Zinfandel has developed beautifully over the last year. Today, the 2010 is rich, dark and intense. The aromas are still very much primary, so readers who like complexity and nuance will have to let this sit in the cellar for another few years. Still, it is impressive.