While Napa Valley is justly known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Frog’s Leap Winery, founded in 1981, decided Sauvignon Blanc would be their first release. In retrospect, that seems like a typical John Williams move, the man who, along with Larry Turley, founded Frog’s Leap and always thinks outside of the box. This delicate, but certainly not innocuous, 2024 has the ideal amount of grapefruit-like pungency to complement its refreshing and subtle fruity profile. I hate to describe things by what they’re not, but in this case, I will – it is not an in-your-face, brisling Sauvignon Blanc. Quite the opposite: It is a well-balanced delight. It has great acidity and verve, but not so much that it is not enjoyable as a stand-alone aperitivo. Indeed, with heat and humidity where I live on the East Coast, its refreshing profile makes it the ideal choice to sip while preparing steamed clams and then to drink with them. Those who complain about the price of Napa Valley wines take note. Frog’s Leap 1981 Sauvignon Blanc cost $8, which is equivalent to $28 today. So, in 40-odd years, accounting for inflation, Frog’s Leap has not increased the price of this wine.
92 Michael Apstein – June 24, 2026