Frog's Leap Winery
Zinfandel 2023
Rutherford
Frog’s Leap Zinfandel is a deliberate and deeply considered departure from the overripe, high-alcohol style that dominated the category for decades. Drawing inspiration from the legendary field blends of the 1940s and 1950s — when Petite Sirah, Carignane and other companion varieties were co-planted and co-fermented with Zinfandel as a matter of course — John and Rory Williams have championed a style defined by elegance, structure and longevity rather than raw power. All fruit is estate grown and organically grown without irrigation in the gravel-rich alluvial soils of the St. Helena AVA, one of the last strongholds for quality Napa Zinfandel in a region where Cabernet Sauvignon has claimed most of the best benchland. As Frog’s Leap’s Zinfandel vines have matured, their complexity and finesse have only deepened. The wine is capable of aging 20 to 50 years, yet is equally expressive in its youth — a benchmark for what age-worthy Napa Zinfandel can be.
VINEYARD
Grown in the gravel-rich alluvial soils of the St. Helena AVA, just north of Rutherford — one of the historic epicenters of Napa Zinfandel production, where stony soils, morning fog and warm afternoons create ideal conditions for elegant, structured wines. Petite Sirah and Carignane are planted alongside Zinfandel in the traditional California field blend style, sharing the same blocks and farming conditions.
WINEMAKING
Ripe Zinfandel is co-fermented with early-harvest, cold-soaked Petite Sirah in a technique that reduces must weight, preserves acidity and extends maceration time for added complexity. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, followed by aging primarily in small concrete vessels equivalent to four-barrel tanks, which preserve the wine's freshness, texture and natural fruit expression while limiting added oak character.
VINTAGE
One of the longest growing seasons in Napa Valley in over a decade, with winter and spring rains replenishing soils and setting vines up beautifully ahead of budburst. A cool, fog-drenched summer with temperatures firmly in the 80s and 90s — and no major heat events — allowed for a slow, gradual ripening season of exceptional length. Yields were above average, and producers who thinned early were rewarded with deeply colored, beautifully structured fruit. St. Helena growers describe the vintage as late, long and one of the most memorable in recent history.
TASTING NOTE
Wild raspberry, boysenberry and black cherry fruit with baking spice, dried herbs and an earthy depth. The palate is fresh and structured, with bright natural acidity, resolved tannins and a long, mineral finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, barbecued meats, aged cheddar and gouda, spiced sausages, wood-fired pizza
Color
Red
Blend %
85% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 1% Carignane
Appellation
Rutherford
Alcohol
14%
Suggested Retail Price
$47
Reviews
Vinous - November 1, 2025 "The 2023 Zinfandel is elegant, gracious and lifted. Crushed flowers, white pepper, bright red-toned fruit, cinnamon and cedar lift from the glass. This delicate, aromatic Zinfandel is all charm. The 14% Petite Sirah in the blend is not especially noticeable, likely because it was picked a week ahead, cold-soaked, then infused into the fermenting Zinfandel must. Aging mostly in concrete preserves striking fruit purity."
James Suckling - June 26, 2025 Quite bold and structured, this red has a good bite of tannin to counterbalance the ripe, opulent blackberry and raspberry flavors. A full body also brings dark cherry, dried blueberry, cocoa and graphite accents. Contains 14% petite sirah and 1% carignane. Drink now or hold.
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
Carneros
‘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
Carneros
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.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford
This classically structured Estate Cabernet reflects a deep understanding of Rutherford Dust, with estate vineyards rooted in alluvial soils that balance up-valley richness and down-valley energy, creating a wine of vibrant tension. Layers of blackberry, cassis, and dried herbs and aged in restrained French oak.
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.
