92 Points - Wine Review Online.com March 13, 2012
91 Points - California Grapevine March 1, 2012
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast September 1, 2012
Platinum - San Diego International Wine Competition - 2012
Gold Medal - Monterey Wine Competition - 2012
Frank Family Vineyards was only founded in 1992, but it has become such a recognized name in Napa Valley Cabernet that it feels like it must be a lot older than that; perhaps this is because they use the original Larkmead Winery building, established in 1884. Whatever the reason, Frank Family has established a reputation, making their wines difficult to come by in any circumstances, let alone at a discount. For this reason, we suggest you don’t miss out on the chance to snag some of their flagship wine, their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, on this rare occasion that it is available at a discount.
The 2009 vintage in Napa was somewhat variable in quality, thanks to a fairly cool growing season, but it was exactly the type of year in which a producer like Frank Family, which owns vineyards spotted all over Napa, can shine. Where a producer with all of their vineyards in one location might suffer in a vintage like this, Frank Family’s ability to blend from lots across the valley enables them to deliver a beautiful wine that both reflects the vintage and what you would expect from Napa Cabernet. The result is a classic Napa Cabernet, and not to be missed.
The 2009 Frank Family Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is dark ruby in color, with a hint of purple. The nose leaps from the glass with aromas of blackberry, leather, briar, coffee, and black currant. This youthful wine is still a little tight on the palate, but a few minutes of air reveal rich, expansive black fruit flavors, accompanied by cherry and cocoa notes. Vibrant yet supple, firm tannin carry the dark fruit flavors across the palate, with wonderful presence on the finish. A smaller amount of Merlot and Petit Verdot are added to this blend, which results in added complexity and a beautifully integrated blend. This wine is drinking well now, but should show at its best over the next 5 years, with plenty of aging potential beyond that. Don’t miss out on this chance to stock the cellar with one of Napa’s finest Cabernets.
Vintage: 2009
Appellation: 100% Napa Valley
Varietal Composition: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon 3 % Merlot 3 % Petit Verdot
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest Date: Oct 21th - Oct 30 th 2009
Acid: 0.63 g/100ml
pH: 3.71
Aging: 20 months in 30% new and 70% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
Bottling Date: July 2011
Alcohol %: 14.5%
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
