Winery
of the Week: Frank Family Vineyards - Napa Valley
Housed
in the historic Larkmead winery, which was first constructed
around 1884, in the Napa Valley, Frank Family Vineyards
strives to honor the esteemed heritage of the land where their
wines are produced. Here's what our tasting panel had to say
about a few of the winery's current offerings:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Frank
Family 2013 Chardonnay
Winery:
Frank Family
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Carneros, Napa Valley
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromas of pears, peach, and pineapple meld with hints
of almonds and vanilla on the nose. Pear, peach, and apple
flavors unfold into nuances of vanilla and lemon custard
on the palate. A bright acidity and creamy notes make
this wine a good match for crab cakes. 69,402 cases produced.
Rating: 90
|
 |
Frank
Family 2012 Zinfandel
Winery:
Frank Family
Grape(s): 79% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah,
& 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromatics of strawberries, raspberries, and plums interweave
with notes of spice and vanilla on the nose. Flavors of
strawberry, bing cherry, and plum open up into traces
of pepper, vanilla, and red licorice on the palate. A
lighter Zin with a nice highlight of spice, fans of easy-drinking
reds will enjoy this bottle. 13,101 cases were made.
Rating: 88 |
 |
Frank
Family 2012 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Frank Family
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Carneros, Napa Valley
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
A bouquet of raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and
floral notes rises up from a glass. The palate delivers
flavors of raspberry, cherry, and plum, along with accents
of white pepper, caramel, and white blossoms. Bright and
floral, pair a bottle with grilled salmon. 8,700 cases
produced.
Rating: 88 |
 |
Frank
Family 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Frank Family
Grape(s): 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11%
Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, & 4% Cabernet Franc
Region: Napa Valley
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 45-50
Review:
Fragrances of bramble fruit, black cherries, vanilla,
and herbs greet the senses. A sip reveals flavors of cherry,
plum, and blackberry that meld with suggestions of dark
chocolate, vanilla, and earth. A lighter, fruit driven
wine, fans of laid back Cabs ought to try this bottle.
46, 922 cases were made.
Rating: 87 |
Note:
Wines rated with a "+" have not yet reached their
peak quality but will do so over the next few years
By
Jason Barlow
| 96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
| 92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
| 85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
|
