Frogs Leap 2013 Merlot Rutherford Napa Valley Magnum
Item Number: 204
Time Left: CLOSED
Description
Magnum of Frogs Leap 2013 Merlot Rutherford Napa Valley
Donated by Frogs Leap.
A Brief History
A part of our family since 1990, Merlot holds a special place in the heart of Frog's Leap as the majority of the fruit comes from the Estate surrounding our winery and historic Red Barn. Situated in the eastern part of Rutherford this vineyard is perfectly suited for growing Merlot due to its rich, clay loam soils. We have found over the years that Merlot likes "cool feet" and a 'warm body." The clay soils hold more moisture keeping the root zone cool, while the sun setting over the Mayacamas gives our vines an extra hour of evening sun. Sustainable and dry farming practices reveal the true personality of the varietal which we describe as having red fruit flavors with a soft, supple texture. We believe tht our Merlot is another great ambassador of the Frog's Leap style--elegant, balanced and restrained.
About the Wine
We at the winery have been absolutely enthralled by all the wines we have produced from the 2013 vintage--the reds in particular and this beautiful Merlot is no exception. The depth of the ripe plum aromas is astounding, the weight on the palate perfect and the flavors go on and on. We were surprised somewhat in our blending trials when we consistently preferred a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon and a dollop of Cabernet franc blended in. The added structure promised complete integrity for aging well into the future. If you are opening it in its first five years of life, I would recommend an hour or more decanting and serving it with a dish slightly sweeter in its preparation--Duck a l'Orange, perhaps? With a few years of age it will, I am convinced, prove worthy of the most classically prepared cuisine.
Special Instructions
The Blend
82% Merlot
17% Cabernet sauvignon
1% Cabernet franc
Release Date
October 2015
Statistics
harvested August 30 - October 10
23.6 brix at harvest
13.4% alcohol
6.1 g/L total acidity
3.57 pH
aged 18 months in French and American oak
Winemakers
John Williams
Paula Moschetti
Vineyardist
Frank Leeds
Winemaking Approach
Believing that a grapevine should be grown in healthy soil that supports all the nutrient needs of the plant, Frog's Leap has been farming organically since 1988. We also believe that most of the great and historic wines of the world have been made from non-irrigated grapevines, and to that end Frog’s Leap farms all of its vineyards without irrigation.
We adhere to the premise that the greatest wines are those that most truly reflect their soil, climate and circumstance (collectively referred to as “terroir”), and that it is the winemaker’s role to simply stand back and let the natural beauty of the grapes show through.
We don't make great wine, we grow it.
Vineyards farmed responsibly. Serious wine presented with a warm sense of humor. This is Frog's Leap. Bring a bottle to your table. Stash a few in your Cellar. Lift a glass with friends. Drink it. We'll make more.
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