“Those who want a wine you can actually drink throughout a meal of barbequed chicken will adore it.” – WRO

Can you believe that it’s been nearly five years since our friend Agent Ribbits visited?!

But for this library vintage masterpiece, we’d say it was worth the wait! That’s right, we convinced John Williams himself to open his own cellar and offer this rare age-worthy Zinfandel. And… at nearly 33% off!

You need to kiss a lot of frogs to find a Princely Zinfandel with some age. We puckered up, passed on the duds, and found one that delivers on its promise.

We should start by addressing the giant frog in the room… Zinfandel, when made well, can age brilliantly! When we popped the cork on this at HQ we were all amazed by the freshness, nuance, balance, and above all, shear complexity of the wine. It’s a bottle that stands as a testament to the what the variety is capable of in the hands of a true master.

Biale, Ridge, Paradigm, Brown, Elyse, Turley… When it comes to Zinfandel royalty in Napa Valley, only a few names belong on that short list – and Frog’s Leap wears its crown with quiet confidence. This is Zin at its most refined and effortless, a study in balance and grace. Robert Parker once called it “impossible to resist,” and Wine & Spirits has named it “An American Classic.”

We couldn’t agree more. A true benchmark – and one every serious Napa red fan should have in their collection.

Where many California Zins often flex muscle, Frog’s Leap takes the opposite approach – crafting a wine of restrained strength and poise. Founder John Williams calls it “a reflection of nature’s own modesty.” That philosophy shows in every glass. Native yeast, minimal new oak, and a gentle hand in the cellar let the vineyard do the talking. The result? An age-worthy Zinfandel bursting with still bright red fruit, lively acidity, and deep, earthy character that comes through its super-complex finish.

These Old Guard Zin producers all have one thing in common. An ethereal timelessness. It was this enduring vision of wine that respects its sense of place and the guidance of mentors Larry Turley (of Turley Wine Cellars) and Warren Winiarski (of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars) that led John Williams to start Frog’s Leap Winery. He was, after all, there as the only employee at Stag’s Leap when their mythical Cabernet won the historic Judgment of Paris in 1976.

In 1988, Frog’s Leap made history again as the very first winery in Napa Valley with 100% Certified Organic vineyards. The respect they have for the land and vineyards is simply unmatched. Williams sums up the obsessive attention to detail by Thinking Like a Vine, where he rightfully declares that “the best wines in the world are grown and produced with this knowledge, and we are proud to be recognized among them.”

Today, Rory Williams, John’s oldest son, has taken over the farming and winemaking. They continue to be visionaries of sustainability and guiding the new generation of winemakers into the future, as detailed in San Francisco Chronicle wine critic Jon Bonné’s highly acclaimed book The New California Wine – A Guide to the Producers and Wines Behind a Revolution in Taste.

But more importantly – the wine is awesome!!!

Ready to take the Leap? Don’t think… as you can imagine, coming straight from the winery cellar, this frog is going to fly.

92 Points – Wine & Spirits “Close your eyes, smell this wine, and you might think you’ve moved from Rutherford to Morgon. This wine has the kind of youthful impact of a great Cru Beaujolais, then it settles into the plump richness of Napa Valley Zin. Its mineral-driven tannins ground all the bright and zesty fruit, holding it tight, suggesting this has years of development ahead. A Zin to hold.”

91 Points – Wine Review Online “Here’s a Zinfandel for those of us who generally avoid that wine. Frog’s Leap’s signature style of restraint highlights the charms of the varietal. Briary and spicy notes complement its dark fruitiness. Bursting with flavor, yet not overdone, it’s balanced. Those looking for a brawny powerhouse Zinfandel will be disappointed. But those who want a wine you can actually drink throughout a meal of barbequed chicken will adore it.”