90 Points
Double Gold & Best of Class - New World Intl. Wine Competition - Feb 2019
Double Gold - Orange County Fair - June 2019
Gold Medal - West Coast Wine Competition - Feb 2019
Gold Medal - Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge - April 2019
Gold Medal - International Women's - June 2019
Gold Medal - Sunset International Wine Competition - June 2019
The finish is long and expressive, with spiced fruit flavors lingering endlessly. Will drink well for 10-15 years.
VINEYARDS
The S&J Vineyard is made up of 206 acres of land located east of the Vaca Mountain range in Napa’s Capell Valley. Purchased in 2000, it is named for Darryl Frank’s children, Stella and Jeremy, and 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-drained and clay loam-based, reminiscent of the Rutherford Bench.
The Benjamin Vineyard is located east of Conn Creek Road in the heart of the Rutherford AVA. Purchased by Rich Frank in 2012, the 87-acre parcel was formerly known as Wood Ranch was renamed for Paul Frank’s son, and is planted with 50 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 8 acres of Petit Verdot, and 2 acres each of Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The vineyard is composed of gravelly loam soil as a result of sediment from the Conn Creek and Napa River which flowed through the region thousands of years ago.
Additional vineyard sources: Round Pond Estate in Rutherford; Delouise, Gaskins, and Shooting Star Vineyards located in Napa Valley.
Winemaker: Todd Graff
Vintage: 2016
Appellation: 100% Napa Valley
Varietal Composition:
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc.
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest Date: September 20 - October 22, 2016
Aging: 20 months in 33% new and 67% once and twice-filled French oak barrels.
pH: 3.63
TA: 0.67 g/100ml
Alcohol %: 14.5%
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.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers top pick.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
Gold Medal
Aromas of white peach, melon, and orange blossom complemented by bright citrus and lemon zest. Notes of kiwi, pineapple, lemon, mango and papaya introduce a rich palate and a persistent mineral finish.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
96 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spicy cola and black tea waft from the glass. The palate delivers all of that and then some, adding layers of fig jam, white peppercorn and baking spice. Firm juicy tannins and balanced acidity round it out.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
93 Points
Dark fruit with blueberry fruit aromas and notes of mocha and cassis. The texture is silky, rich and mouth-filling with berry pie, black tea, exotic spice and notes of chocolate fudge on the palate. Fine grain tannins lengthen the finish with dark fruit flavors mingling with just a hint of mint.
92 Points
Deep garnet core with aromas of crème de cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice mingle and swirl on the nose. The palate is equally gorgeous with extremely rich cookie, walnut, plum and cassis with a long smooth creamy vanilla finish. This one is aged to perfection and ready to show off.
90 Points
Deep garnet in color, with enticing aromas of brandied cherry, lavender, and forest floor. The palate is juicy and engaging with blueberries coursing through with depth and keeps you running back for more. Pure and balanced with perfect levels of acidity with notes of salted caramel, and cocoa. It's ripe silky tannins lead to a long supple finish that just keeps on giving.
95 Points
Deeply wild and floral with cherry, raspberry bramble, and dried cranberries layered with notes of baking spice and satsuma. Hints of cherry bark and dried violets carry through with touches of herbs and spice, lending a savory balance to silky layers and juicy, red core.
Chewy & Ripe!
Dark purplish-black with aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, and black tea. Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight. Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with exotic cassis, black cherry, cola and plum flavors knitted together in a creamy, velvety texture with nice layering, finishing with delightful notes of spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
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