Frank Family
2018 Merlot
, Napa Valley
98 Points,
Double Gold Best of Class - 2021 Sunset International Wine Competition
Frank Family's first vintage in nearly two decades opens up with fresh plums that intertwine with coffee and cedar mixing effortlessly with blackberries and baking spice. This Merlot is complex and elegant... offering smooth layers of pomegranate and dark chocolate that carries through the persistent finish. With so much structure and elegance, it can go head-to-head with many Napa Valley Cabernets, and is worthy to stand on its own.
Long and elegant with exceptional mouthfeel.
Will easily cellar for another 5-7 years.
WINEMAKER NOTES
Frank Family grows several acres of Merlot on their Rutherford properties, which they often blend with their Cabernet Sauvignons to add softness and a more rounded mouthfeel. But this Merlot is worthy to stand on its own. With so much elegant and structured potential that it can stand toe-to-toe with many Napa Valley Cabernets.
VINEYARDS
Sourced from their family-owned Benjamin Vineyard in Rutherford as well as several of their closest neighbors and long-term grape growers, Delouise, Round Pond Estate, and Sunseri Vineyards located in Oak Knoll, Rutherford, and Chiles Valley respectively.
Winemaker: Todd Graff
Vintage: 2018
Appellation: 100% Napa Valley
Varietal Composition: 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc
Harvest Date: September 21 - October 19, 2018
Aging: 18 months in 33% new and 67% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
Bottled: May 2020
pH: 3.55
TA: 0.60 g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.5%
Tasting Notes 
PDF
Frank Family Vineyards wines are produced in small quantities and currently sold only at the winery and a handful of select restaurants and wine shops. A visit to the winery is not complete without a story-filled tour or at least a walk through the historic building where the thick, stone walls, high-stacked barrels and rich bouquet of aging wines create the utmost in winery ambiance. The winery provides separate tasting areas for sparkling wines and still wines. Just outside, to the south of the building, visitors are welcome to sit under the giant oak trees, relax at the wooden picnic tables and enjoy spectacular vineyard views.
Learn more at www.frankfamilyvineyards.com.
