91 Points - Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine - Sept 2017
Gold & "Best in Class" - International Women's Wine Competition - June 2017
Gold Medal - TEXSOM International Wine Awards - March 2017
Gold Medal - Monterey Wine Competition - March 2017
Gold Medal - Orange County Fair Wine Competition - June 2017
Frank Family sources from all over Napa Valley for the grapes for their Zinfandel, and this allows them to make a consistently outstanding bottle of wine each and every year. This family run winery is one of the stars of Napa Valley, yet maintains pricing that makes it a reasonable bottle to open for any occasion. In the tradition of the great field blend of California, from the likes of Ridge and others, they blend a little bit of Petite Sirah into the blend, which gives the wine extra weight and texture.
Zinfandel is often called “California’s Grape,” and despite the fact that it has been genetically traced to Croatia, it certainly seems to show best all over the Golden State. Today’s offering comes from Frank Family Vineyards in Napa Valley, a region certainly more well known for its Cabernet. Napa’s climate is also wonderful for growing Zinfandel. Warm sunny days lead to well ripened Zinfandel grapes that tend to show more of Zin’s jammy side.
The 2014 Frank Family Napa Valley Zinfandel has a deep scarlet hue. Opens with aromas of raspberries, vanilla, and earthy dried herbs notes. Medium bodied on the palate with an abundance of fresh fruit and black pepper flavors on the entry. This wine is round, silky, and finishes with abundant flavors of ripe blackberries, with a long, layered finish.
Pairs with anything from the meat aisle, from barbeque pork ribs, leg of lamb or big, hearty meals.
Vintage: 2014
Wine Type: Red Wine
Varietal: Zinfandel
Varietal Composition: 84% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 2% Cabernet
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest Date: September 19th to October 9th, 2014
Acid: 3.74
Aging: 16 months in 33% new French oak barrels, and 67% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
Bottling Date: March 2014
Acid: 0.552 g/100ml TA
Alcohol %: 14.6
All Wines
Violet black in color with aromas of rich fruity dark berries, honeycomb, vanilla, and hints of forest floor join together with bold flavors of black cherry, and spiced nut. Balanced oak, layered palette, leaving you with a enjoyable persistent finish.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
Rich & Tropical...
Notes of tropical and ripe stone fruits, with aromas of fig, golden apple and hints of butterscotch, integrated with the richer aromas of light caramel, truffle and toasted vanilla from the oak aging. The palate and texture is rich, full-bodied and creamy, while maintaining a balanced vibrancy and finish.
