2018 Frog's Leap Merlot
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Merlot Williams Rossi Vineyard was made in much the same way as the Cabernet from the same property, going directly into new French oak for fermentation and aging, with several rackings during its two years in wood. Scents of brown sugar accent cherries and red plums in a wine that's medium-bodied and tightly wound for Merlot, with considerable tannic heft and bright acids.
Critic scores
Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Merlot Williams Rossi is more mid-weight, with juicy dark cherry and blueberry fruits, some herbal and earthy nuances, medium body, and firmer tannins. Well-made and enjoyable, it should age relatively gracefully given its freshness and balance.
Full bottle 1,219 g. Organically farmed Merlot on clay-rich loam. Bay-leaf fragrance, raspberries. Tastes of green peppercorns pressed into redcurrants, fine arching tannins, sage and apple mint, liquorice. Juicy without being simple or jam-juice juicy. Elegant, quiet seams pressed into quiet lines pressed into quiet fruit. Just lovely balance. (TC)
Aromas of leafy herbs, roses, black licorice and sliced plums. Medium-to full-bodied with silky tannins. Juicy and fresh, with subtle length and intensity. Nicely structured. This will age nicely, but there is no need to wait. Drink or hold.