Kuleto, Napa Valley (California) 2009

Under new ownership but with the same winemaker (David Lattin) Kuleto has embraced the concept of terroir in this red blend that has been dubbed its "fool’s Bordeaux." The vast Kuleto property in the hills east of St. Helena in the Napa Valley is planted to numerous grape varieties, and Kuleto has long produced "varietal" wines dedicated to a single grape. The new philosophy is focused on blends made from diverse grapes grown in close proximity in the vineyards. Thus Frog Prince is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot from the Bordeaux family of grapes, but with a robust (six percent) amount of Syrah (not from the Bordeaux family). The result is a muscular, black-fruited mountain red that’s big, bold and complex. Best to drink it in 2015 or beyond.