Next time you pop a cork, do so for a great cause. Help support the Naval Special Warfare community by enjoying a bottle of fine wine from Bonefrog Cellars. It’s not just another winery. A portion of the proceeds from each of the vintages goes directly to financially support foundations that were created to serve the Naval Special Warfare community and their families These include the Navy SEAL Foundation, SEAL Veterans Foundation and the Navy SEALs Fund.
Bonefrog Cellars
Bonefrog Cellars is a veteran-owned and operated premium boutique winery located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The winery was founded by retired U.S. Navy SEAL Tim Cruickshank, who is also the CEO of the winery. After serving 25 years in the U.S. Navy, Tim created Bonefrog Cellars as a “tribute to the ‘Brotherhood’ of U.S. Navy SEALs, the Naval Special Warfare community and to all Americans who have bravely served, or who are currently serving, in our United States Armed Forces.”
Bonefrog Cellars is much more than just a cool name and logo. Not only does it make great wines, the winery was named after (and gets its logo from) the Bonefrog, a sacred and iconic image in the SEAL Teams that honors those SEALs who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our country and our freedom.
Each label that Bonefrog Cellars creates for its wines tells a story of battles fought and great American heroes who answered the call so that their memories and legacies will never be forgotten. They’re so much more than just cool-looking labels.
As in the SEALs, wine making is a team effort. A wine is only as good as its grapes. Washington State encompasses a diverse collection of world-class vineyard areas. Bonefrog Cellars has partnered with the very best. It sources all of its grapes from the most highly regarded vineyards in Washington. As of this writing, Bonefrog Cellars offers three vintage wines—the 2018 vintage Bonefrog Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 vintage Bonefrog Merlot and the 2020 vintage Zenfrog Chardonnay. They are all outstanding wines. Bonefrog Cellars 2019 vintage Carbernet and Merlot will also be available shortly.
2018 Bonefrog Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2018 vintage Bonefrog Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from some of the oldest, most respected vineyards in Washington. Aged 18 months in traditional French oak barrels, it’s reminiscent of a fine Bordeaux. Dark and rich in color, with fruity aromatics of red currants, black berries and cassis, it’s a full-bodied, balanced wine with medium acidity and soft-texture tannins. Luxuriant and open textured on the palate, it pairs well with rich flavors and heavier more complex dishes and sauce. It pairs especially well with filet mignon, grilled lamb or Portobello mushrooms. ABV 14.5 percent. 750ml.
2018 Bonefrog Merlot
The 2018 vintage Bonefrog Merlot features premium grapes from the Columbia River AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Washington. Dark and red in color, it has aromatics of blackberries, black cherries, black tea and spice. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, it teases the palate with velvety tannins, medium acidity and flavors of black fruit and vanilla. It has a long and luxurious finish.
The Merlot pairs well with a wide variety of foods due to its position in the middle of the red wine spectrum. It pairs very well with hearty vegetable soups, seasoned pork or veal roasts, Delmonico steak or simple dishes such as Tuscan pizza or cheese trays featuring Brie, Blue Cheese or Gouda. ABV 14.5 percent. 750Ml.
2020 Zenfrog Chardonnay
The 2020 vintage Zenfrog Chardonnay is made from 77 percent Chardonnay and 23 percent Viognier grapes, all 100 percent sourced from the Columbia Valley AVA in Washington. The name “Zenfrog” comes from the SEAL mindset of staying calm in the midst of chaos—a mindset that is imperative when failure is not an option. The 2020 Zenfrog Chardonnay invites with its light golden hue and opens with an aroma of ripe summer fruit. Hints of citrus, ripe green apples and notes of lemon can be found within this elegant Chardonnay. The wine itself invites a pause to take time to appreciate the day, recenter and find a calmness amongst the hectic parts of all our lives.
The finish of this Zenfrog Chardonnay is crisp, clean and truly a Washington gem to be experienced and savored. It pairs well with light seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp and crab cakes, as well as roasted chicken and creamy vegetable soups. ABV 13.2 percent. 750ml.
On a Mission
Bonefrog Cellars is on a mission of giving back to those who have given so much. It believes that courage, determination and selfless acts are part of the American DNA. So drink a fine wine from Bonefrog Cellars and honor the fallen. Head over to Bonefrog Cellars’ website for current pricing. And, while you’re at it, also check out Bonefrog Cellars’ sister company, Bonefrog Coffee Company. It offers great coffee that supports the same great causes. For more information, visit bonefrogcellars.com and bonefrog-coffee.com.
Sources
Bonefrog Cellars
bonefrogcellars.com
Bonefrog Coffee Company
bonefrog-coffee.com
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.
Photos courtesy Bonefrog Cellars.