Cabernet Sauvignon (1989)

About this wine

The 1989 Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford offers deep cassis and blackcurrant aromas, complemented by earthy notes of cedar and black olive. On the palate, it presents flavors of ripe black fruit, red cherries, and plum, with savory undertones of cedar and black olive. The wine's fine-grained tannins and bright acidity deliver a vibrant, plush mouthfeel, leading to a long, lingering finish characterized by the signature 'Rutherford Dust.' This vintage showcases the unique terroir of Rutherford, reflecting the region's well-drained, gravelly soils and optimal ripening conditions. Aged in French oak, it develops complexity and elegance, making it a true expression of Rutherford heritage.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and hardy vines, making it well-suited to various climates. In Rutherford, California, the grape thrives in the region's unique 'Rutherford Dust'—a term coined by winemaker André Tchelistcheff to describe the fine, dusty tannin structure imparted by the area's gravelly, sandy loam soils. This distinctive terroir contributes to the balanced and complex character of wines produced here. Frog's Leap Winery, established in 1981 in Rutherford, has been cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon using organic and sustainable practices, emphasizing minimal intervention to let the grape's natural qualities and the region's terroir shine through.

Quick facts

• 🌱 Frog's Leap Winery, founded in 1981, is renowned for its commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices, making it one of the pioneers in Napa Valley's green viticulture movement.
• 🍷 The 1989 Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the Rutherford AVA, a region celebrated for its unique 'Rutherford Dust'—a term coined to describe the distinctive earthy, dusty tannin profile characteristic of its wines.
• 🌿 In the late 1980s, Frog's Leap transitioned to organic viticulture, becoming one of the first Napa Valley wineries to be certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).
• 🐸 The winery's name, 'Frog's Leap,' is a playful nod to its origins on a former frog farm and a tribute to Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, where founder John Williams began his winemaking career.
• 🎉 Frog's Leap is known for its humorous approach to winemaking, including their 'Ribbit' corks, reflecting the winery's playful spirit and commitment to not taking itself too seriously.

Palate profile

Producer

Frog's Leap Winery, established in 1981 by John Williams and Larry Turley, is located in Rutherford, California. The winery is renowned for its commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices, having been certified organic since 1989. Housed in the historic Red Barn, built in 1884, Frog's Leap emphasizes dry farming techniques to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley. The winery's name playfully combines 'Frog Farm,' the original vineyard site, with 'Stag's Leap,' where Williams began his winemaking career.