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%
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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
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
