Double Gold, Best of Class
- Jerry D. Mead's New World International Wine Competition
Gold Medal - U.S. National Wine Competition
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 2010 vintage was rather cool in Northern California, with a few heat spikes in August and September, but mostly even weather. This was great for thick-skinned varities, like Cabernet, as long as they were in locations warm enough to ripen the grapes before the rains started in mid-October. Frank Family sources their Napa Valley Cabernet from several vineyards in the heart of Napa Valley, where there was plenty of heat and sunshine in 2010. The result is a beautifully rich wine, with great acidity thanks to the slow-ripening of the grapes.
The 2010 Frank Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet in color, with even a tinge of purple. The nose shows cassis, black cherry, pencil lead, and raspberry jam. The palate echoes these berry and cherry flavors, with dried herb, pepper, and a mineral streak joining in. The finish is rich and spicy, with intriguing notes of herb and crème fraiche. This Cabernet had 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cab Franc in the blend, which gives it even more complexity and depth. This is stellar Napa Cabernet, at a price that is seldom seen in the Valley these days. Don’t miss out!
Vintage: 2010
Appellation: 100% Napa Valley
Varietal Composition: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest Date: Sep 20th - Oct 14 th 2010
Acid: 0.73 g/100ml
pH: 3.62
Aging: 20 months in 30% new and 70% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
Alcohol %: 14.5%
95 Points
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
93 Points
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and cedar unfold alongside soft notes of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, structured tannins frame layers of black cherry, baking spice, and a subtle herbal lift from the Merlot blended beneath the Cabernet's backbone. Medium-bodied gem with good concentration finishing long and warm, with lingering impressions of cocoa and dried fig.
94 Points
Decadent, rich, and supple. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, crushed stone, dried herbs, and cedar lead into layered notes of cassis, fennel, baked plums, mocha powder, and cigars dusted with roasted Herbs de Provence, earth and red volcanic mineral notes. Full-bodied and rich, with a firm spine of racy acidity and ultra-fine, gravelly tannins that carry the lasting, mouthwatering finish.
94 Point Vintage
Deep garnet core with an elegant ruby-brick rim—a striking sign of its library maturity. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and macerated blackberry, seamlessly transitioning into sophisticated layers of cedar, graphite, crushed violet, and cured tobacco. A savory accent of bay laurel, cocoa nib, and warm earth adds impressive intrigue. The palate delivers dense dark fruit framed by velvety, melted tannins and vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lifted and fresh. Finishes long and seamlessly, lingering with espresso, black plum, aged leather, and a fine crushed-stone minerality.
Exceptional
In the glass this wine open with aromas of ripe black cherry, bark, cedar, dried orange peel, a touch of black pepper. The palate equally rich with flavors expanding into notes of fresh picked cherry, chocolate, and crushed stone and a touch of white pepper. Together, these lavish flavors, coupled with an elegant mouthfeel and a long engaging finish make a fantastic wine.
96 Points
Aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry liqueur, and purple flowers drive the nose of this energetic Syrah which is co-fermented with a whisper of Viognier. Gracing the palate are dark berries, plum, blackberries, peppercorns, hints of sweet tobacco, and well-positioned oak spice with plush acid and rich tannin peaking through the finish.
