(+) Frog's Leap Rutherford Merlot 2006What a pleasant reminder the other night to open up a half bottle of this merlot. Reminder of what? That merlot can be interesting, balanced and comfortingly delicious. Ripe plums dipped in mint chocolate and spiced Bing cherries. Round and fruity, but alive. Recommended.
Frog's Leap was one of my favorite wineries to visit along the Silverado Trail, with a very pleasant tasting room that looks on to a beautiful garden and the vineyards. It was certainly pleasant to sit on the porch, be served a flight of wines, and then walk around the garden and see the effort to maintain biodiversity around the vineyard. From what I've read, the grapes they use are organically grown, and the vineyards are managed without irrigation after flowering (though I'm told they do practice deficit irrigation). Taken as a whole, their wines are serious, offer good value, and represent a commitment to changing the culture of Napa in a positive direction.
Wine purchased at Frog's Leap tasting room.
It is nice to taste a merlot that has subtlety, and you are right - it doesn't happen enough!
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