Frog's Leap Winery
Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Rutherford
Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic expression of Rutherford, anchored by dry-farmed, organically grown estate vineyards on the western bench of Napa Valley. The wine prioritizes balance and clarity over excess ripeness, capturing the region’s hallmark dark fruit character alongside savory, earthy nuance and the fine-grained tannins often described as Rutherford dust. Vineyard practices play a central role in defining the wine’s profile, with balanced vines naturally delivering depth of flavor while preserving acidity. Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon stands apart for its restraint and food-friendly structure, with appeal to those seeking a more classical interpretation of Napa Cabernet — one that aligns with traditional winemaking values while remaining true to its Rutherford origin. The wine is built to evolve gracefully, rewarding both early enjoyment and extended cellaring.
WINE
A classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon anchored by organic, dry-farmed estate vineyards and a philosophy of balance over excess. Frog's Leap emphasizes purity of fruit, natural acidity and fine-grained tannins, with oak used to support rather than dominate. The result is a layered, savory Napa Valley Cabernet that delivers depth, elegance and long-term ageability.
VINEYARD
Frog's Leap’s estate Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards are located primarily on the western Rutherford bench, an area prized for its well-drained soils and balanced growing conditions. Certified organic and dry-farmed, these vineyards rely on deep root systems rather than irrigation, naturally limiting vigor and concentrating flavor. Gravelly alluvial soils contribute to structure and drainage, while warm days and cool evenings allow for full phenolic development without sacrificing acidity.
WINEMAKING
Fermentations are conducted to highlight purity of fruit and site expression, with careful extraction to maintain fine tannin structure. The wine is then aged in French oak, primarily neutral, for approximately eighteen months, allowing the components to integrate without overt wood influence.
VINTAGE
A cool, wet winter replenished soils in Rutherford, followed by a late start to the growing season. Mild summer temperatures slowed ripening, extending the growing season and enhancing flavor development at lower sugar levels. Harvest occurred later than average under favorable conditions. The resulting wines emphasize precision, lifted aromatics and fine-grained tannins with strong aging potential.
TASTING NOTE
Medium- to full-bodied, black cherry, cassis, dried herbs, graphite, subtle cedar, fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity.
FOOD PAIRING
Grilled lamb, roast beef, herb-crusted pork, mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, hard alpine cheeses
Color
Red
Blend %
96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc
Appellation
Rutherford
Alcohol
13.8%
Suggested Retail Price
$74.99
Reviews
Vinous - November 3, 2025 "After the torrid 2022 vintage, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon marks a return to a much more classic style at Frog's Leap. Aromatic, vibrant and sculpted, the 2023 dazzles from start to finish. The 2023 is wonderfully deep and so expressive. Rose petal, dried herbs, mocha, pine and a touch of Rutherford earthiness play off a core of distinctly fresh red-toned fruit. Readers who enjoy restrained, classically built wines won't find a finer value."
Wine Spectator - March 16, 2026 "Cherry and plum paste notes are focused and direct in feel, while red licorice, apple wood fill in through the finish alongside a savory hint."
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
La Grenouille Rouganté
Mendocino County
Sourced from old-vine Carignane planted in 1942 at the Ricetti Ranch in Mendocino, La Grenouille Rougante is a serious, Provençal-inspired dry rosé of uncommon minerality and depth. Bright red fruit, lively acidity and low alcohol make it one of the most versatile and compelling rosés in California.
Concrete Aged Sauvignon Blanc
Rutherford
Sauvignon Blanc has long been central to the Frog’s Leap story and serves as a reference point for restrained Napa Valley whites. Rather than chasing overt tropical ripeness or sweetness, the estate focuses on dryness, mineral structure and aromatic precision. The Concrete Aged Sauvignon Blanc intensifies this focus, employing careful vineyard selection, old vines, fermentation in concrete egg and extended aging sur lie to drive a intense, mineral-driven expression of Sauvignon Blanc fully expressive of its Rutherford origins.
Shale & Stone Chardonnay
Napa Valley
‘Shale and Stone’ on the label is reflective of the deep minerality of the vineyard’s ancient fractured shale soils and the freshness of the varietal. With long sur lie aging in concrete, it is taut but generous, and full yet bright on the palate.
Sauvignon Blanc
Rutherford
Stone fruit and white flower aromatics are perfectly complemented with crisp, minerally flavors. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity and distinctiveness of this noble grape.
Merlot
Rutherford
Grown in cool clay and crafted with care- this Merlot is a refined, age-worthy wine of both subtlety and strength. Showing deep plum and cocoa notes with soft tannins and a savory finish, aged in a mix of small French oak barrels to enhance texture without overpowering the wine’s natural elegance.
Zinfandel
Rutherford
Made in the classic field blend style including significant portions of Petite Sirah and Carignane. Vibrant raspberry and black cherry fruit with hints of spice and earth, balanced by bright acidity and moderate tannins—crafted from dry-farmed, organically grown vines and aged in neutral oak to preserve its varietal purity and freshness.
Flycatcher
Rutherford
Flycatcher is a vibrant, juicy field blend bursting with red berry fruit, spice, and floral notes, crafted from organically grown Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignan, and Valdiguié, co-fermented and aged in neutral oak for a fresh, energetic expression of California terroir.
