2011 Outpost Howell Mountain Zinfandel

Outpost is near the top of Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. The 42-acre estate was founded in 1998 by Terry and Juli Pringle. A few years later is was purchased by Frank and Kathy Dotzler. Winemaker Ehran Jordan made the debut 1998 vintage, but Thomas Rivers Brown is now the winemaker. The estate makes Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache but it has earned a special acclaim for its Zinfandels. Wine Advocate has noted that “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 Sirah.”

Howell Mountain AVA in Northeastern Napa Valley was the first of Napa Valley’s sub-appellations, earning its own designation in 1984, just a year after Napa Valley became an appellation. As the name suggests, the AVA is in one of the highest elevations in the area. Every vineyard in the appellation is at least 1,400 feet above sea level. Some vineyards are as high as 2,200 feet and because of their altitude most of the AVA’s vineyards receive more sun than vineyards at lower elevations, which are affected by fog from the Pacific Ocean and the San Pablo Bay. Howell Mountain was home to vineyards in the late 19th century, but winemaker Randy Dunn is considered the area’s most influential modern pioneer. Dunn moved to Howell Mountain in 1979, acquired property and began making exceptionally rich Cabernet Sauvignon. The AVA also grows Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. There are 600 vineyard acres within Howell Mountain AVA.

Zinfandel is a black-skinned grape, but 85% of the wine produced is made into a rosy “White Zinfandel.” Red Zin is far more complex and bold, while still being light-bodied. It grows in popularity as winemakers continue to experiment with new styles and blends.