Frog’s Leap wine maker dinner May 3 at Mozz

[Robin Garr]

Winemaker John Williams of Frog’s Leap winery will preside over a dinner featuring the Napa Valley producer's wines on Tuesday, May 3, at 7 p.m., at Mozz, 445 E. Market St. The evening begins with a wine reception at 7:30 p.m., followed by a five-course dinner.

Dinner is $115 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited. For more information or to make a reservation, call the restaurant, 690-6699.

Menu:

Reception

Trio Pepper “Garden Caponata”
“Fior di Latte”: Stuffed Olives with roasted citrus zest
Ricotta, Spinach and Pancetta Calzonettas
Frog’s Leap 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford, Napa Valley

Dinner

Straw and Hay
Marcona Almond-Crusted Goat Cheese Wrapped in Ahi Tuna
with micro-mustard buerre blanc
Frog’s Leap 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford, Napa Valley

Half Moons and Truffles
Diver Scallops with vanilla bean and green apple citrus, brown butter and roasted butternut squash agnolotti
Frog’s Leap 2009 Chardonnay, Napa Valley

Scottaditto
Cherry Wood-fired Young Lamb “Chops” with Merlot-plumped currants and cherry-glazed rosemary “fire” parsnips and pearls
Frog’s Leap 2007 Merlot, Rutherford, Napa Valley

Pot Roast
“Potted Planters”: Green Olive Braised Beef with dried cherry demi-glace and Herbes de Provence potato crisp
Frog’s Leap 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Cheese and Berries
Zinfandel Zabaglione “Italian Warm Custard” Shots
Mascarpone Cheese and Wild Berries
Pecorino Cheese and Pepper “Frico Basket”
Frog’s Leap 2008 Zinfandel, Napa Valley

Mozz
445 E. Market St.
690-6699
www.mozzlouisville.com

The menu looks good, but dinner for two, once you add in 20% tip and tax, comes out to a cool $300.

[Robin Garr]

The menu looks good, but dinner for two, once you add in 20% tip and tax, comes out to a cool $300.

You really have to want you some Frog's Leap. The dinner does look awesome, though.

The menu looks good, but dinner for two, once you add in 20% tip and tax, comes out to a cool $300.

You really have to want you some Frog's Leap. The dinner does look awesome, though.

I don't believe I've ever had Frog's Leap. Is it good (or, should I say, THAT good)?

[Robin Garr]

I don't believe I've ever had Frog's Leap. Is it good (or, should I say, THAT good)?

To put this as fairly as I can, it's good, but not top-rank among highly rated or collectible wines. It has evolved into a wine primarily made for on-premises (restaurant) sales, and its wacky name and fun label probably contribute somewhat to the mystique.

Hey everyone ....
After reading through some proposed question and comments I thought it prudent to post some answers and comments.
$295 per couple for a 5 course meal (cost+tax+20% grat) paired to Frog's Leap wines....is it over priced?
Considering what a 5 course meal paired to good Napa Valley and Rutherford wines at Mozz would cost (or any upscale/high qualiy Louisville restaurant) if you came in and designed it yourself....no....it's not over priced. Good Napa Valley & Rutherford wines don't come cheap - it's a fact.
Is Frog's Leap that good?
Yes... I believe Frog's Leap to be exceptional Napa & Rutherford wines for the money. They are some of the most balanced wines made in the valley and made with the French style of sensibilities that were abandoned by most for over ripe/high alcohol (Frog's Leap wines range from 12.5%-13.5% alc ..... Most Napa wines these days are between 14%-16% alc), over extraction and over use of new oak.
And....the evening is hosted by the winemaker:
and....it's Derby...it's a time to splurge and treat yourself.

It's a fare price on the high side for this market. Being Derby week pushes it up as well.