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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
