For decades, Frog’s Leap had a goal: Produce a Rutherford AVA Estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon. Inspired by the early Cabernets of Inglenook and Beaulieu Vineyard, they spent 20 years finding and farming highly sought-after land in Rutherford, with particular attention to the iconic Rutherford Bench. This stretch of land, resting on the fast-draining gravel bed of a long-gone river, is not really a bench at all. (There is little question that this is some of Napa’s most prized real estate, though.)

It all began with the acquisition of the Red Barn Vineyard in 1994, the official move to Rutherford. This prime location provided a century-old facility and 40 acres perfectly suited to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Immediately following the move, Frank Leeds, longtime Frog’s Leap vineyard manager, agreed to a partnership between Frog’s Leap and his family’s Chavez Leeds Vineyard. This generational vineyard situated on the Rutherford Bench gave the first real taste of how complex and connected dry-farmed, organically-grown Cabernet Sauvignon could be.

In 2007, the Frog’s Leap purchased the historic Rutherford Bench Rossi Vineyard. Now mostly planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the 50 acre Rossi Vineyard completed the picture by yielding high quality Rutherford grapes. The winery had achieved its goal of an entirely estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon that can stand the test of time.

“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown is a firm, classically built wine that is going to need a few years to come into its own. There is admirable depth as well as character. Red cherry/plum fruit, spice, tobacco and mocha lend quite a bit of aromatic nuance to this mid-weight, super-expressive Cabernet from Frog’s Leap.” 94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, October 2021 

“Perfumed nose of dried flowers, cassis, baked blueberries and chocolate orange with a touch of cinnamon. It’s full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Vibrant and zesty cabernet. Drink from 2023.” 91 points, James Suckling, December 2021 

“An outstanding wine, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown (there’s 7% Cabernet Franc) shines for its elegance and purity, as well as its classic Cabernet aromas and flavors of dark fruits, leather, and earthy, tobacco, herbal nuances. Drink this medium-bodied, balanced 2019 over the coming 4-6 years as well.”
90 points, Jeb Dunnuck, February 2023