The “Arrogant Frog” series of wines hail from the region now known as Pays D’Oc Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP). At $10.99 they are keenly priced and appear designed to be noticed and, I am guessing, to compete with the Yellow Tails of the wine world. It’s even bottled under screwcap.

The “Ribet” cabernet merlot is a blend of 55% cabernet sauvignon and 45% merlot. For $11, it’s not too bad. A medium intensity purple in colour, it is bright in the glass. The aroma had some varietal typicity, and a bit of interest, with notes of clove, black cherry, thyme, dusty earth and bay leaf.  The palate presented reasonably well with between short and medium length and some bay leaf and blackcurrant notes.  It was more disjointed on the second day, some residual sugar showing a bit more, and the alcohol a little pokey.  But for $11, it’s hard to be too critical, and I suspect it’s designed to be drunk “then and there”.  Acceptable to Good

Abv: 13.5%
Price: $10.99
Source: sample
Vendors: Dan Murphy’s
Website: Arrogant Frog
Tasted: August 2012