The winery’s top-tier Merlot (there is a lower-priced Napa Valley version that is also quite good) is produced from mostly estate-grown grapes. The wine is amazingly low in alcohol (12.7%) yet offers plenty of bright plum and black cherry flavors, with hints of black olive, fresh herbs and spice. It’s an elegant and food-friendly representation of Napa Valley Merlot.
Frog’s Leap, Rutherford (Napa Valley, California) Merlot 2011
By Linda Murphy