Visit by Frog's Leap

Wow, it's been a year since our last post...we've gotta improve on that track record! We just had a very pleasant wine-tasting experience that kick-started us into writing our first blog for 2011.

Last week we were visited by John Williams, owner of Frog's Leap Winery in Rutherford, Napa. It's not every day that the owner of a winery shows up at our door with some wines to taste!

And what a portfolio he has! All of the wines are wonderfully aromatic, with distinct herbaceous and mineral qualities. Call it "Rutherford Dust" or alchemy, but it's there no matter what varietal you taste (other than the Chardonnay which comes from Carneros fruit...). All of these wines are incredibly food friendly, clocking in at 12.6 - 13.7% alcohol, unlike the currently popular, high alcohol Cali fruit bombs! The only downside is that none of these wines are for cheapskates, but you get what you pay for, and heck - you only live once! Here's what we tasted:

2009 Sauvignon Blanc:

Lovely aromas of flowers and lemongrass with citrus flavors and noticeable minerality (almost Riesling-like, though not as slatey...). Only 12.6% alcohol, so drink up! At a retail price of $18, it won't be the least expensive S.B. you've ever had, but probably one of the nicest.

2007 Zinfandel:

Yes, Zinfandel. Some people in Napa still remember how to make old-school Zin! This one has the typical cherry and berry flavors with a dollop of spice, but the addition of Petite Sirah and Carignan keep it light and give it a nice acidity. At only 13.4% alcohol, this one was shcking in a good way, atypical of California Zinfandel. At a retail price of $27, it might not become your everyday pour, but enjoy it as often as you can!

2007 Merlot:

Nice cherry flavor with hints of cocoa and tobacco. This one's also at 13.4% alcohol, so it too is light and very food friendly, much like a quality Pomerol. Price is getting up there at $34 retail.

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon:

Primarily Rutherford Cab with some Cab Franc and Merlot. Typical cherry and berry aromas and flavors, with a dose of smoke and minerals. Very drinkable now with soft tannins and only 13.6% alcohol. Consider this one if your having a dinner party where you want to impress your friends, as well as please yourself! Retails at $42...don't think about it until the bottle is gone...

2006 Rutherford:

Mostly estate Cab with 8% Cab France. This is the big boy at a retail price of $75! If you buy it, don't share it with anyone (other than your spouse or significant other...). We have no idea how John Williams can pack so much flavor into this wine, and do so with only 13.7% alcohol. The profile is similar to the standard Cab, just bigger and bolder! We would drink this wine every day if we could afford it! If you get the opportunity, try it...a hedonistic pleasure you won't regret...