Platinum - Critic’s Challenge - May 2015
Double Gold - American Fine Wine Competition - Jan 2015
Gold Medal - SF Chronicle Wine Comp - Jan 2015
Gold Medal - Monterey Wine Competition - Mar 2015
Gold Medal - “North of the Gate” Wine Comp - Mar 2015
Gold Medal - Pacific Rim Wine Competition - April 2015
Gold Medal - Orange County Fair - May 2015
90 points - California Grapevine - April 1, 2015
Voted #1 Best Napa Winery - Bay Area A-List
We recently had the chance to attend an event put on by the Carneros Vintners Alliance which both celebrated 30 years of the organization, as well as highlighting the potential for growing great Chardonnay in this cool, coastal microclimate just north of San Francisco Bay. Tasting through some of the top chardonnays in the region, it became clear that renaissance is happening in this AVA, one of America’s oldest, and the first to be defined by weather across two counties. Today’s Heist, from Frank Family, beautifully shows what Carneros has to offer to Chardonnay drinkers.
The 2013 Frank Family Carneros Chardonnay is medium straw in color, with a touch of gold. The nose displays powerful tropical aromas of lime, papaya, and kiwi, with baked apple in the mix as well. The palate shows brighter apple and lemon flavors and undertones of peach pie and baking spice. Medium to full bodied with great length, this is early evidence that the hype about 2013 is true, and we may have a stellar vintage to look forward to form California. Chardonnay lovers will not want to miss this one.
Vintage: 2013
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest Date: September 2th - October 9th, 2013
Acid: 0.57 g/100ml TA
pH: 3.55
Aging: Barrel fermented in 34% new, 33% once and 33% twice-filled French oak barrels for 9 months.
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.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
93 Points
Depth, balance and big flavors. The nose evokes black cherry pie, licorice, plums, vanilla, and notes of chocolate. On the palate, it bursts with cassis, red currants, toasted walnuts, and chocolate. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
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.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
