90 Points - Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine - Aug 2016
90 Points - James Suckling - Jan 2016
90 Points - California Grapevine - July 2016
90 Points - Galloni/Vinous Media - Oct 2015
Gold Medal & Best in Class - New World International - Feb 2016
Gold Medal - Monterey Wine Competition - Mar 2016
Gold Medal - Critics Challenge Wine Competition - Mar 2016
Gold Medal - Pacific Rim Int’l Wine Competition - April 2016
Gold Medal - Orange County Fair - June 2016
Gold Medal - San Francisco International - June 2016
Gold Medal - International Women's - June 2016
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.
Like the previous vintage, 2013 offers more of the same. A mild spring led to a good fruit set. Summer and fall brought warm temperatures, but no heat waves. All the fruit enjoyed a long, slow ripening. Early indications are that Cabernets will be dark, rich and ageworthy, inviting comparisons with 2001, 2002 and 2007. The saturation of color is amazing; the wines are almost black, The Bordeaux varieties are all heavy with tannins but it is sweet tannins and not drying at all.
The 2013 Frank Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a much more friendly, supple, fruit-forward style of wine with an enticing nose of blackberries, bay leaf and graphite; on the palate the wine is full bodied, and reminiscent of cocoa-dusted dark chocolate truffles, cloves and blackberries. This opulent, full-bodied wine is certainly going to be a big hit with consumers. It is broad, savory and pretty much everything one wants in a delicious Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Bring on the grilled meats! This wine should drink well for 10-15 years. This is benchmark Napa Cabernet, at a price that is seldom seen in the Valley these days. Don’t miss out!
Vintage: 2013
Appellation: 100% Napa Valley
Varietal Composition:
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest Date: September 11th – October 24th, 2013
pH: 3.73
Aging: 20 months in 33% new and 67% once and twice filled French oak barrels.
Alcohol %: 14.5%
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.
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
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.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
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
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
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.
