My March Wine of the Month

Frog’s Leap Winery
Merlot
Rutherford
Napa Valley
2010

Frog’s Leap Winery is a very special place.  Not only are they very “green”, using organic and biodynamic farming (along with many other interesting practices), but they also make some really great wines.

The Wine – This wine is proof that California Merlot hasn’t “died”.  Oh no, it’s still very much alive and singing in Rutherford Valley at Frog’s Leap Winery.  This wine smells and tastes like a Merlot is supposed to smell and taste!  It’s not trying to be a Cab.  It has some plum and other dark fruits on the nose, with a touch of earthiness and spice.  On the palate are some chocolate and nice round fruit, along with some earthiness.  It is well balanced and tastes like a Merlot should!  It is impressively true to the varietal.

Visiting the Winery – Tasting at Frog’s Leap is a really fun and charming experience.  Upon arrival, one is escorted outside to a beautiful wrap-around porch nestled among 40 acres of organically farmed vineyard.  A carafe of water and a lovely cheese plate accompany the wine tasting.

The Journey – Frog’s Leap Winery is located on Conn Creek Road in Rutherford, CA.  The drive up to the tasting room is along a beautiful vineyard.  One is welcomed by the historic Red Barn, which was originally built as the Adamson winery back in 1884.  Today, this “ghost winery” not only inspires their guests, but also the Frog’s Leap winemakers John Williams and Paula Moschetti!

To read more about their winery, check out their informative, fun and interactive website at: http://www.frogsleap.com/flash/intro.html

You can also find a blog I wrote about my visit to Frog’s Leap here: http://www.timetounwine-d.com/tag/frogs-leap-winery/