93 Points, Gold Medal - North Coast Wine Challenge - April 2021
90 Points - Wine Advocate - Nov 2020
Pairs with anything from the meat aisle, from barbecue pork ribs, leg of lamb or big, hearty meals. Always a winner.
Zinfandel is often called “California’s Grape,” and despite the fact that it has been genetically traced to Croatia, it certainly seems to show best all over the Golden State. Today’s offering comes from Frank Family Vineyards in Napa Valley, a region certainly more well known for its Cabernet. Napa’s climate is also wonderful for growing Zinfandel. Warm sunny days lead to well ripened Zinfandel grapes that tend to show more of Zin’s jammy side.
VINEYARDS
This Napa Valley-designate wine is cultivated from our estate vineyards in Chiles Valley and Rutherford and from neighboring vineyards in St. Helena and Calistoga. Frank Family’s S&J Vineyard comprises 206 acres of land located east of the Vaca mountain range in Napa’s Capell Valley. It is planted to 58 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with 9 acres of Petite Sirah, and 9 acres of Zinfandel. The soils are fertile, well-draining and clay loam-based, reminiscent of the Rutherford Bench. Frank Family’s newest vineyard, acquired in 2012, Benjamin Vineyard is located east of Conn Creek Road in the heart of Rutherford AVA. This vineyard comprises 50 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 8 acres of Petit Verdot, and 2 acres of Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The site is anchored by gravely loam soil as a result of sediment from the nearby Conn Creek and Napa River.
COOPERAGE
16 months in 33% new French oak barrels, and 67% once and twice-filled French oak barrels.
Vintage: 2018
Wine Type: Red Wine
Varietal: Zinfandel
Varietal Composition: 89% Zinfandel, 11% Petite Sirah
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest Date: September 9th - October 16th
Aging: 16 months in 33% new French oak barrels, and 67% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
Bottling Date: April 2020
pH: 3.69
TA: 0.64 g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.8%
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.
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.
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.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
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