Frog's Leap Winery
Flycatcher 2023
California
Flycatcher is Frog’s Leap’s California-wide red blend, celebrating diverse vineyards beyond Napa Valley. Sourced from like-minded growers across multiple appellations, it reflects the winery’s core philosophy of balance, restraint and natural vineyard expression. Fresh, structured and food-friendly, Flycatcher evolves with each vintage while maintaining authenticity and drinkability.
VINEYARD
Flycatcher sources from a carefully curated set of sustainably-farmed vineyards across three distinct California appellations. Old-vine Zinfandel comes from the Five Starr Ranch in Lodi's Mokelumne River sub-AVA, where vines planted in 1963 grow in the sandy soils classic to the region — producing the generous, warm-fruited core of the blend. Petite Sirah and Merlot are sourced from steep hillside and high-elevation sites in Mendocino County, where windswept terrain and earthy, well-drained soils yield savory depth and bright acidity. Syrah comes from an outcropping of volcanic tufa soil in Carneros, lending spice and floral complexity. Cinsault, Carignane and Tempranillo round out the assemblage, each contributing texture and lightness of being.
WINEMAKING
Grapes from each vineyard site are harvested separately and partially co-fermented to integrate varietal character from the earliest stages of production. Native yeast fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with gentle extraction techniques employed throughout to preserve fruit purity and vibrancy. The co-fermentation approach allows the varieties to speak in concert rather than as isolated components, resulting in a seamlessly layered and cohesive blend.
VINTAGE
A cool, wet winter replenished soils across California, followed by a delayed budbreak and mild summer. Extended hang time allowed flavors to develop gradually at lower sugar levels, preserving acidity and aromatic lift.
TASTING NOTE
Vibrant aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry and bramble, lifted by floral and peppery top notes. The palate is juicy and layered with dark plum, dried herbs and a hint of cocoa.
FOOD PAIRING
Grilled lamb and roasted meats, wood-fired pizza, charcuterie boards, herb-roasted chicken, mushroom-based pasta dishes.
Color
Red
Blend %
36% Carignane, 15% Cinsault, 13% Petite Sirah, 13% Merlot, 10% Syrah, 9% Tempranillo, 4% Zinfandel
Appellation
California
Certifications
SUSTAINABLE
Alcohol
13.2%
Suggested Retail Price
$30
Reviews
Vinous - November 1, 2025 The 2023 Flycatcher is a blend of 36% Zinfandel, 15% Cinsault, 13% Petite Sirah, 13% Carignane, 10% Tempranillo, 9% Merlot and 4% Syrah. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and crushed flowers soar from the glass. This vibrant, exuberant red offers tons of forward fruit buffered by brisk acids that add notable energy. Eminently quaffable, the 2023 also has plenty of complexity to satisfy more intellectually curious wine lovers. I admire its sincerity and strong old-school leanings.
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Shale & Stone Chardonnay
Carneros
‘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.
Sauvignon Blanc
Rutherford
Stone fruit and white flower aromatics are perfectly complemented with crisp, minerally flavors. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity and distinctiveness of this noble grape.
Merlot
Carneros
Grown in cool clay and crafted with care- this Merlot is a refined, age-worthy wine of both subtlety and strength. Showing deep plum and cocoa notes with soft tannins and a savory finish, aged in a mix of small French oak barrels to enhance texture without overpowering the wine’s natural elegance.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford
This classically structured Estate Cabernet reflects a deep understanding of Rutherford Dust, with estate vineyards rooted in alluvial soils that balance up-valley richness and down-valley energy, creating a wine of vibrant tension. Layers of blackberry, cassis, and dried herbs and aged in restrained French oak.
Zinfandel
Rutherford
Made in the classic field blend style including significant portions of Petite Sirah and Carignane. Vibrant raspberry and black cherry fruit with hints of spice and earth, balanced by bright acidity and moderate tannins—crafted from dry-farmed, organically grown vines and aged in neutral oak to preserve its varietal purity and freshness.
