Williams Rossi Ranch
Rutherford, Napa Valley
41 acres
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Mourvedre, Grenache Noir, Carignane, Riesling, Charbono, Valdiguie
Our Connection
A crown jewel on Rutherford’s western bench, the beautiful Williams Rossi ranch is home to some of our best Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as some of our more eclectic plantings. Comprised of just over 50 acres, with two quaint victorian farmhouses, a pre-prohibition winery and signature water tower, the property was home to two generations of the Rossi family, and has been planted to vineyard continuously since they acquired the land in the early 1900s.
In 1995, neighbor Frank Leeds orchestrated an introduction, and arranged for Frog’s Leap to purchase fruit from the Rossi family. By 1997 Frog’s Leap had taken on most of the farming responsibilities for the Ranch, and the historic property became a prized source of Rutherford fruit including such such rarities as Riesling and Valdiguie. In 2007, Louise Rossi passed away (just shy of her 100th birthday) and Frog’s Leap was able to acquired the property.
Three generations of the Williams family now call this ranch home, further deepening our connection with this beautiful site as we strive to continuously learn both how to maximize its potential for great Cabernet, and celebrate the living link to historic Napa varietals with our Heritage Blend. In 2018 Frog’s Leap produced its first Williams Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon, linking the past and the future of the vineyard and the two families.
Dispatches from Williams Rossi Ranch
Mustard abounds in late winter providing nitrogen in the soil, and attracting pollinators and amateur photographers.
The landmark water tower stands sentry over heritage blocks including Carignan, Charbono and Riesling.
Head trained vines pushing new growth in the spring.
Louis Rossi and her dog, Dusty in the early 1980s. Very little has changed on the ranch which is in a conservation easement with the Napa Land Trust.