Kuleto Estate Frog Prince Red 2014 Front Label
Kuleto Estate Frog Prince Red 2014 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

Depending on where and how grape varieties are grown, theycan express themselves in a myriad of ways. When selectingthose vineyard blocks or rows or vines that might beappropriate for the Frog Prince blend, we look for the moresubtle characteristics of the varieties, e.g. fresh fruits versus cooked, red fruits versus blue or black, a bit less alcohol, a bit more acid, and perhaps a bit of dried herbs. In many cases, the different varieties are fermented together to create something wholly unique. The 2014 Frog Prince puts it all together in a classic Old World style wine. Cherry blossom and red plum scents dominate with a delicate aroma of almond paste which adds subtle complexity. The mouth follows suit with its bright red fruit impressions; the tannins are those that you find near thepit when eating stone fruits which gives the palate a decidedly toothy feeling. It is old school in all the good ways and a terrific food wine with its stimulating palate.

Blend: 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 5% Malbec/Cab Franc/Petit Verdot co-ferment

Kuleto Estate

Kuleto Estate

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Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.

EPC34133_2014 Item# 164187