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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
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.
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.
94 Points
Rich and generous, with a deep purple hue. Aromas of crushed violets, ripe berries, blueberry pop-tarts, black currant, licorice, chocolate-coated espresso beans, allspice, and cedar box. Full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture.
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.
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