Wines Napa Valley Frog's Leap Napa Valley Zinfandel 2017 - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Frog's Leap Napa Valley Zinfandel 2017 is an iconic expression of Californian winemaking finesse. Made from the Zinfandel grape, this 2017 vintage stands out for its ripe, concentrated fruit balanced with remarkable freshness. The Zinfandel vines are grown on gravelly, well-drained soils typical of Napa Valley, which imparts a certain vibrancy and purity to the wine. Frog’s Leap is known for sustainable and organic farming practices, allowing the full personality of the fruit and terroir to shine through. Winemaking here favours minimal intervention: fermentation with native yeasts, aging in predominantly older barrels to avoid overpowering wood, and careful blending, resulting in a wine that respects both heritage and place. The 2017 vintage was marked by a warm growing season, bringing good ripeness and plush tannins, yet Frog’s Leap manages to retain elegance, offering a Zinfandel that is fruit-forward but never heavy-handed, marked by notes of blackberry, raspberry, pepper, and a hint of earthiness.

Napa Valley, located in California’s premier wine-growing region, enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterised by warm, sunny days and cool, fog-laden nights owing to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and San Pablo Bay. These temperature fluctuations promote complex flavour development and balanced acidity in the grapes. The valley’s diverse soils—ranging from volcanic to alluvial—allow for nuanced, site-specific wines. Napa's wine history dates to the mid-19th century and it is now globally renowned for producing bold, expressive reds. While best known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa’s historic relationship with Zinfandel remains significant, with many old-vine plantings delivering wines of profound depth and authenticity.

Frog’s Leap Zinfandel pairs beautifully with chargrilled meats such as lamb cutlets or barbecued pork ribs, where its juicy fruit and gentle spice can cut through rich flavours. It also complements Mediterranean dishes like ratatouille or stuffed bell peppers. For a regional Californian touch, try it with slow-cooked pulled pork or a classic hamburger garnished with caramelised onions.

Serve this wine slightly below room temperature, ideally at 16-18°C. Decanting for thirty minutes will help the wine open up, revealing its aromatic complexity and supple texture. Enjoy it in generous, tulip-shaped glasses to fully appreciate its charming bouquet and harmonious structure.