One Jump Ahead with Frog’s Leap Williams Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon
Courtesy of Frog's Leap Winery
Frog’s Leap Winery is a Napa Valley A-Lister leading organically grown grapes and dry-farmed vineyards. Vintner Files wine writer Gosia Young shares everything you need to know about the release of the very first (and very exclusive) reserve-style Williams Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon.
In 1981, Frog’s Leap Winery was bonded, with founder John Williams at the helm. With over 40 years of experience farming Rutherford vineyards, John has rightly become a Rutherford specialist in Napa Valley. Today, his son Rory Williams continues the tradition, walking diligently in his father's purple-stained footsteps. Together, the duo has elevated the winery to a veritable vinous icon. Frog’s Leap is celebrated for observing regenerative organic farming principles and sustainable practices, resulting in an impressive collection of wines that get top ratings and recognition vintage after vintage. So when word got out that a new, very limited, and very special Cabernet was on the way, I didn’t just stand up and listen. I hopped right to it.
What’s In A Name?
Hand-selected.
Micro-fermented.
Patiently aged.
This 2018 Williams Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon speaks to the heart of Frog’s Leap's core purpose: to make wines of terroir, responsibly farmed, sustainably produced, and joyfully shared.
In 1995, John was introduced to siblings Louise and Ray Rossi and their historic Rossi ranch. Situated at the northern end of the famed western bench in Rutherford, the ranch had immense viticultural potential.
“Ever since I could remember, visitors would come by and ask whether Louise might sell. She would politely listen, take their names, and then call her attorney to ensure they would never be offered the property,” recalls Rory. That was lucky for the Williams family, who visited Rossi often. "Instead of going to church, we'd visit Louise," he says.
After ten years of helping the Rossi’s farm the ranch, Frog’s Leap had the opportunity to acquire the ranch in 2007. John began to plant vines in areas that had long lain fallow and replant diseased blocks. It was time-consuming, expensive, and hard work.
Yet, here we have it! Introducing the first vintage of the Williams Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon.: two decades of effort bottled and potential realized.
Only 20 Barrels Produced
The term 'reserve' often gets misused in the US, given the lack of strict regulation. However, it finds its true essence in the 2018 Williams Rossi vintage. This generous, balanced Cabernet Sauvignon originates from three distinct vineyard blocks within the Rossi ranch. But here's the special part - it hails from Rutherford, an appellation defined by a mere 10-mile stretch of unique terroir. With just 20 barrels made, each sip transports you to this extraordinary corner of the world, where the Rutherford dust imparts an unmistakable character to its wines:
“When making a reserve-style wine, a winemaker will usually look to select his or her “best” barrels in the blend. The basis for that selection is for my dad and me in the vineyard. Each year, our eyes are focused on how the vines planted in each soil type are adapting to the conditions posed by the vintage, and we head into harvest with that knowledge. When sampling, we select areas of the ranch—largely defined by specific areas of soil—that are exceptionally delicious that year and ferment them separately,” shares Rory.
These mini-fermentations, usually so small that they are done in individual barrels, are then selected for the best barrels after the wines are complete. That’s why so few bottles were created for the very first vintage.
The 2018 Willams Rossi consists of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon from the South Creek block, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from the North Creek block, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Hilltop vineyard. South Creek is defined by high gravel content, resulting in intensely flavored fruit. Meanwhile, Hilltop’s profile is less tannic than South Creek's but more high-toned and balanced. According to Rory, the surprise element in 2018 was North Creek. The long growing season gave this section extra depth and character, and it was a standout that demanded inclusion when John and Rory were selecting barrels for the final wine.
Courtesy of Frog's Leap Winery
One for the Books
“2018 was one of the most picture-perfect vintages we’ve ever experienced in Napa: plenty of winter rain, a gentle, moderate growing season, and a long, bountiful harvest period with a lot of morning fog and afternoon sunshine,” explains Rory.
With no extreme flooding or wildfires, the moderate conditions of 2018 meant that the prized small berries could get extended time on the vine to provide exceptional intensity. One-quarter of the fruit was fermented in new oak barrels, with the remainder in steel and concrete. The wine shows rich, generous black fruit and great balance—both characteristic of the vintage.
The 2018 Williams Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon was released in May 2023. That’s five years after harvest! But as any die-hard Napa Cab lover will know, the extended aging in both barrel and bottle has given the wine time to develop its complexity and even exhibit that famed Rutherford dust (drool!).
Since May, the critic reviews have come in steadily, with The Wine Independent rating it 93 points:
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Williams Rossi bursts with notes of plum preserves, creme de cassis, sauteed herbs, and licorice, plus wafts of fertile loam and charcuterie. The medium-bodied palate is refreshing and chewy, with compelling energy and a mineral-laced finish.” Robert Parker Wine Advocate gave theWilliams Rossi a solid 92+ points, writing: “It's medium-bodied, streamlined and silky in feel, finishing long and gently dusty yet mouthwatering and fresh. It should age magnificently…”.
In his review, wine critic James Suckling called it “a rare, succulent Napa Cab, though with a fresh crunch of acidity and some sharpness. I like the brightness. There is a fresh Cabernet character here, with blackberries, wild herbs, cassis, and violets extending to the medium-bodied palate, showing tart fruit, dried herbs, and chewy tannins.” Needless to say, we agree!
The Williams Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon is exclusively available for purchase directly from Frog’s Leap. Click here to learn more and place an order.
