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%
94 Point Vintage
Deep garnet core with an elegant ruby-brick rim—a striking sign of its library maturity. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and macerated blackberry, seamlessly transitioning into sophisticated layers of cedar, graphite, crushed violet, and cured tobacco. A savory accent of bay laurel, cocoa nib, and warm earth adds impressive intrigue. The palate delivers dense dark fruit framed by velvety, melted tannins and vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lifted and fresh. Finishes long and seamlessly, lingering with espresso, black plum, aged leather, and a fine crushed-stone minerality.
