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%
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.
