91pts Wine Enthusiast

Flavors of ripe apple, quince, lemon pith and wet stone are carried by bright acidity into a very long finish. The freshness and purity of this wine lean towards austerity but are balanced by bright flavor and a light spice accent for an energetic and restrained white wine.

91pts James Suckling

This fresh-tasting, clean and uncomplicated wine shows little oak influence and a vivid, mouthwatering balance. Green apple, quince and subtle butter aromas lead to a generous, fruity and minerally palate on a medium body. Drink or hold.

91pts Wilfred Wong

The 2022 Frog's Leap Shale and Stone Chardonnay is an impressive effort. This wine offers aromas and flavors of ripe apple and stone fruits with Fresh salmon sashimi rolls.

Jeb Dunnuck

Stone fruits, spice, and some savory herb notes all emerge from the 2022 Chardonnay Shale & Stone, a nicely balanced, enjoyable, satisfying Chardonnay to drink over the coming couple of years.

Winemaker's Notes

'Shale and Stone' on the label is reflective of the deep minerality of the vineyard's ancient fractured shale soils and the freshness of the varietal. With long sur lie aging in concrete, it is taut but generous, and full yet bright on the palate.

About the Wine

At Frog’s Leap, we have been fortunate enough to work with the same Chardonnay
vineyard ever since our first vintage in 1985. Planted by the renowned Truchard family
in 1979, these vines are deeply rooted in the decomposed shale and sandstone that are
characteristic of the steeply-sloped hillsides of Carneros, and lend themselves perfectly to the balanced, restrained style that is our signature. Fermented for only a handful of days in new French oak barrels, the wine is racked at the peak of its fermentation to insulated vessels that keep the residual heat, where it sits, untouched and sur lie, for up to 12 months. Grown in shale and stone, our Chardonnay boasts incredible freshness and a distinct mineral edge that speaks directly to its origins.

Winery Notes

Frog's Leap is a family-owned winery dedicated to sustainable principles and committed to producing wines with balance, restraint and respect for terroir. Frog's Leap makes its home amongst 200 acres of vineyards in Rutherford at the historic ‘Red Barn’. Founded by John Williams in 1981, Frog’s Leap continues to be family-owned and operated. As the owner and winemaker, John has made every vintage for over four decades. 

Now in its fourth decade of production, Winemakers John and Rory Williams hand-craft Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, and an Estate-Grown Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Using the best of Napa Valley's organically grown, dry- farmed grapes and the most traditional winemaking techniques, Frog's Leap strives to produce wines that deeply reflect the soils and climate from which they emanate. Thoughtfully shepherding both natural and earned resources, Frog’s Leap consistently returns more than it takes from the environment.

Sustainable

 Organic