2006 ZINFANDEL
Napa Valley
THE BLEND 87% Zinfandel 10% Petit Sirah 3% Carignane
PRODUCTION 11,250 cases
RELEASE DATE April 2008
STATS
Harvested ~ September 20 - October 16. 23.4° brix at harvest. 13.5% alcohol. 0.61 gr/L total acidity. 3.69 pH. Aged 12 months in American oak
A BRIEF HISTORY
Yes, we have noticed that the monster Zins of the
'70s are still in fashion. And yes, just like fashion they command
monster prices based on their “big” alcohol, “big”
flavors, and “big” bottles. But Frog’s Leap
Zin is different: you can’t use this stuff to light your
charcoal grill.
Maybe it's that we found our early inspiration for Zinfandel
from a different source — instead of reinventing Zinfandel,
we looked to the past and the incredible Zins of the ’40s
and ’50s. Those wines taught us the lessons that the old-timers
knew: that field blends of Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Napa
Gamay all picked at ripeness (not as raisins) added color, aromatics,
and earthy complexity. In other words, the help of other varietals
was needed to reveal the Zinfandel grape's true flavors. These
principles form the foundation for our wine today.
ABOUT THE WINE
True to our tradition, our 2006 Zinfandel is a field blend that relies on the vitality of zinfandel and the depth of petite sirah for its trademark character. Intense aromas of wild berry and fresh fruit are punctuated by spices that include clove, cinnamon, and white pepper. Lush layers of cherry and boysenberry fill the palate, while the nuances of oak and earth never overwhelm. The wine's bright acid and soft tannins offer a plush, lingering finish. Rich yet quaffable; our 2006 Zinfandel is a wine that both complements a meal and is delicious on its own.
WINEMAKERS
John Williams and Paula Moschetti |
