Frog's Leap Zinfandel 2008

80% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 1% Carignne.

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.

In the centuries-old tradition of the "field blend" the 2008 Frog's Leap Zinfandel reveals the great character and multi-layered nuances of its almost forgotten varietals. The Zinfandel offers lush layers of wild raspberry and mulberry underscored with a touch of cinnamon and white pepper. The 'Pets' deepen the rich dark color, add a weighty mid-palate and strengthen the flavors of blueberry and spice while that dash of Carignane helps to drive the finish. The tannins are polished and the texture is plush. With an alcohol level under 14% this wine is rich yet quaffable and is the perfect partner for your next barbeque.