90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
90 Points - California Grapevine
Double Gold Medal - San Francisco Chronicle - Jan 2019
Gold Medal - Monterey Wine Competition - Mar 2019
Gold Medal - Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge - April 2019
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 Petite 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: 2017
Wine Type: Red Wine
Varietal: Zinfandel
Varietal Composition: 91% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest Date: September 13th - October 17th
Acid: 3.74
Aging: 16 months in 33% new French oak barrels, and 67% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
Bottling Date: March 2019
Acid: 0.65 g/100ml TA
Alcohol %: 14.8
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
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
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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