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%
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.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
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.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
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.
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