Napa Valley may be best known for its Cabernet, but Chardonnay has been just as important, even scoring a victory over the best Chardonnays from France in the famous judgment of Paris contest in 1976. The key to successful chardonnay in Napa is proper site selection; Chardonnay does best in the cooler southern areas, including Carneros, as opposed to the warmer, northern part of the valley. Frank Family sources their Chardonnay from cool sites like these, resulting in a balanced, bright wine that doesn’t suffer from the excessive ripeness or oak that plagues so much Napa Chard.
The 2008 Frank Family Napa Chardonnay is pale gold in color, with powerful aromas of lemon, kiwi, and lime, with a hint of toast. The palate is rich with baked pear and apple butter, and lovely acidity to hold these flavors through a long, clean finish. This wine has good presence and poise, allowing it to pair with a variety of foods. It is perfect for stronger fish flavors like swordfish, or with goat cheese or creamy pasta sauces. Stock up on this now, and you will be thanking yourself this summer as you sip a glass on the patio!
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest Date: September 6th - October 1st, 2008
Acid: 0.67 g/100ml TA
PH: 3.65 pH
Barrel Aging:
11 Months
34% New French Oak
33% Once used French Oak
33% Twice used French Oak
Alcohol %: 14.4
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
