Frank Family Vineyards
2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Lately it seems like we have been lucky enough to find wonderful wines that beautifully showcase some of the excellent vintages produced from California.  We have already talked about the greatness of the 2007 vintage, for many varietals, but of course, it can’t be a great California vintage if it is not a great Cabernet vintage in Napa Valley.  2007 was no exception, with a long, even growing season leading to even ripening, fully developed fruit flavors at lower alcohol levels, with wonderful acidity.  We are delighted to have been able to secure a small allocation of 2007 Napa Cabernet from Napa icon Frank Family Vineyards.

The 2007 Frank Family Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from low-yielding vineyards in several locations across the Napa Valley, resulting in a wine that is approachable early, and really gives a sense of the vintage.  This wine is deep ruby in color, with a nose that perfectly highlights the fresh fruit flavors characteristics of this vintage.  Black currant, black cherry and raspberry leap to the front, with just a hint of bay leaf adding complexity.  The palate is dark and rich, with smoky vanilla and pepper accompanying the black fruit flavors.  The mouth-feel is round and lush, but with good acidity and tannin to maintain focus through a finish that leaves a lingering impression of sweet dried cherries.  This is classic Napa Cab, and will pair with all the usual suspects like grilled beef or venison.  Drinking nicely now, and has the acid and tannin to last for many years to come.  A perfect to wine to enjoy and follow as it ages!

Vintage:  2007
Wine Type:  Red Wine
Varietal:  Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation:  Napa Valley
Harvest Date:  September10th-October 30th 2007
Acid:  0.64 g/100ml TA
pH:  3.64pH
Aging:  24 months in a mixture of 35% new French Oak barrels, and 65% once and twice used French Oak barrels
Bottling Date:  December 2009
Alcohol %:  14.5%

About The Winery...

Take a trip back in time at the Frank Family Vineyards. First constructed as the Larkmead Winery in 1884, the building was refinished with native sandstone from the nearby hills in 1906 and still stands tall today. The massive stone edifice is considered an archetype of California’s wine country; it appears on the National Register of Historical Places and is listed as a Point of Historical Interest in the state of California. Owners Richard Frank and Connie Frank focus their energies on making superb still wines. The winery produces Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Sangiovese and several distinctly different Cabernet Sauvignons. The highly regarded Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which is barrel aged for two and one-half years, is emerging as one of the most sought after wines in the valley and their Napa Carneros Vineyards produce some of the finest Chardonnay available. The Sangiovese, a rising star, is created entirely from grapes grown on Rich’s property and the Zinfandel comes from the Pope & Chiles Valley. Once owned by wine legend Hans Kornell, the winery originally secured its reputation with sparkling wines. Five sparkling wines are handcrafted today in the old building: Brut, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, occasionally the Rouge and Reserve. All of these are made in the traditional French methode champenoise style.

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 ambience. 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.

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