That Time I Spelled Frog In A Spelling Bee, F-O-R-G…

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​Recently, Todd and I got to revisit the wines of Frog’s Leap with our good friend and Vintner Select rep Lauren Wiethe.  The wines of Frog’s Leap have been around awhile.  Beginning in 1981, the wild ride of life that is John Williams begins in Napa Valley.  This solar-powered winery has been turning out consistently great wines over 30 years, and sometimes, as a retailer you forget about wines that are just always good.
 
Lauren and I have been working together for some time now.  I’ve known her for what seems like forever, as I have watched her rep for two companies, and she has worked with me at 3 retailers.  In this business, you meet people many times over, and it’s always a blessing to work in an industry that feels like a family sometimes.  
 
So it was a tasting with many old friends, it would seem.
 
Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc Rutherford 2016.  Going a bit the opposite of the usual grapefruited New Zealand Sauv Blancs, this crisp, light white gives you lime zest, guava, gooseberry and a bit of passion fruit, alongside a touch of dill, mineral and fresh cut hay.
 
Frog’s Leap Chardonnay Napa Valley 2015.  Just a hint of cream in this apricot dream with white peaches, apple pie and hints of light spice, this is a perfect California Chardonnay.
 
Frog’s Leap Merlot Rutherford 2014.  With a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon blended in, this is a dark red-fruited wine with hints of blueberries, cedar and leather.  Forgot how good this was.
 
Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Estate Grown 2014.  All Estate fruit here.  There is 11% Cabernet Franc blended in, giving this big, bold, dense red loads of complexity and grace.  Blackberry fruit, hints of anise, cocoa and vanilla shine from beginning to end.