Black plums, black cherries, mint, new leather and licorice are some of the many notes that flow from the 2009 Zinfandel. This big, explosive Zinfandel is literally bursting with detail and varietal nuance. An extroverted, highly expressive finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2011.2015. This is a gorgeous set of wines from Frank and Kathy Dotzler. The Outpost wines have very distinct personalities, and stand quite apart from most of what is being made in Napa Valley today, especially when it comes to Grenache, Zinfandel and Petite Syrah. The estate is located on Howell Mountain, in a very distinct microclimate that features a condensed growing season. When I visited in April this year the vines were completely dormant, yet when I returned, in late October, early morning temperatures were easily ten degrees warmer than they were on the valley floor.Tel. (707) 965-1718

Burly and ripe, yet complex, offering loamy blackberry aromas and layered, jammy flavors of cherry and blueberry that show notes of licorice and caramel. Firm tannins sneak in on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 1,000 cases made.??–TF??Region: California / Napa / Howell Mountain Select to Add