100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 70 Frog’s Leap, Rutherford, California

Blog 70 Frog’s Leap, Rutherford, California

For over 20 years, Frog’s Leap has been farming organically. They feel that the grapevine needs all the nutrients that it can get by having healthy soil to grow in. They dry-farm all 250 acres of their vineyards and their wines are made from grapes harvested from non-irrigated grapevines.

And what great wines they have. We started our tasting on the patio with a 2008 Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford. Light, crisp, with flavors of grapefruit, white peaches, and a taste of minerality.



We tasted the 2007 Frog’s Leap Zinfandel, Napa Valley. Tasted yummy with traditional flavors of cherry and boysenberry, and a slight touch of oak and spice.

Our favorite at Frog’s Leap was the 2007 Merlot, Rutherford. Flavors of cherry and currants with dried herbs. Made with 100% Merlot. It was so smooth and delicious, I asked for more and they gave it to me. They were not stingy at all.

My least favorite was the 2006 Frog’s Leap Rutherford which they call “Rutherford Dust”. Made with 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc. Dark fruit taste with black olive and earthy notes.

For dessert, we were able to try the 2007 Frogenbeerenauslese. 100% Reisling made with 100% Rutherford grapes. Only 247 cases were produced. Made with specifically selected grapes that were left on the vine to rot called “Noble Rot” also known as Botrytis cinera. Made from 70-year-old vines that were around when Franklin D. Roosevelt was President.

Here is what their Web site had to say about it:

The 2007 Frogenbeerenauslese presents with bright aromas of caramelized peach and fig that waft over a bed of spice and white flowers. Rich – even viscous – flavors of candied apricot, honeycomb and citris blossoms are balanced by a mierality that is reflective of its appellation. Try with a cheese plate for a new take on the classic wine-and-cheese pairing.

Grab a glass and walk the gardens or sit in the historic-looking open-air farmhouse. Be sure to spend some time relaxing and taking in the beauty. When you visit, pick up a bottle of the Zinfandel, the Merlot, and the Frogenbeernauslese for me and don’t forget to pet their cat, Tara, she is 14-years-old and living out her last days on the property in the style and comfort that she has been accustomed too.



Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!

Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 69 Hall in St. Helena, California

Blog 69 Hall in St. Helena, California



Renovations are done at Hall in St. Helena, California. While I love the Rutherford Property for a private formal tasting, I thoroughly enjoyed myself at Hall in St. Helena.





It is a more casual atmosphere with outdoor tables where you can “order from the tasting menu” if you are a member. I was able to have the wines that I wanted and boy did I pick my favorites. I bee lined to the Kathryn Hall 96 point Cabernet Sauvignon. Why not? My taste buds thanked me for it. Prior to this wine being rated, it has always been one of my faves.







The service is outstanding at Hall. They have the outdoor patio, an intimate indoor seating area in a separate room, and the regular stand-up tasting room that is connected to their gift shop. Outside in the parking area and patio area, you will find red art.









There are several very large roses in the garden area and some abstract pieces all over the property. The indoor area has some black and white pictures on the wall and other art around the tasting room for your viewing pleasure. Art, wine and great service can only make you want to visit Hall more than once.



Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica