91 Points & Gold Medal
- West Coast Wine Competition - Feb 2019
- Orange County Fair - June 2019
Gold Medal - Sunset International Wine Competition - June 2019
Gold Medal - New World International - Feb 2019
TASTING NOTES
The 2017 Frank Family Carneros Pinot Noir is bright ruby in color, floral and lively with a beautiful exploration of lavender, red cherry, and cinnamon. Soft and juicy, it has a full-bodied figure of ripeness with polished tannins and structured acidity. The price for quality is exceptional! Load up! Perfect for summertime enjoyment.
VINEYARDS
The foundation for the Carneros Pinot Noir is Sangiacomo Vineyard and Beckstoer Vineyards located in the heart of Carneros, near the shores of the San Pablo Bay. It is made up of 78 acres planted on gently rolling hills, with 68 acres planted to Chardonnay and 10 acres planted to Pinot Noir. e predominant maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean creates the cool temperature, fog and wind that make Carneros ideally suited for growing cool climate varietals. e Lewis Vineyard consists primarily of shallow and dense clay loam soils, receiving only 20 inches of rainfall annually. e restricting soils result in extremely low yields, producing grapes with strong character and balanced acidity.
COOPERAGE
Barrel fermented in 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new.
Vintage: 2017
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: 100% Carneros
Vineyards: Sangiacomo and Beckstoer Vineyards
Harvest Date: September 4th - September 27th, 2017
Bottled: July 2018
Acid: 0.59 g/100ml
pH: 3.68
Aging: Barrel fermented in 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new.
Alcohol: 14.5%
Wine Maker: Todd Graff
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
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