Frank Family Vineyards
2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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%

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 ambiance. 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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