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%
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.
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.
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.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
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.
