September's Featured Corks & Caps
This Month's featured wines are from Frank family Vineyards. The massive stone winery is considered an archetype of California's wine country; it appears on the National Register of Historical Places and is listed as a Point of Historical Interest in the state of California.
Inside, owners Richard and Connie Frank focus their energies on making superb wines including several whites and reds. The winery produces Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Sangiovese and several distinctly different Cabernet Sauvignons. The highly regarded Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which is barrel aged for two and one-half years, is emerging as one of the most sought after wines in the valley (I actually did taste this when out there and it was incredible).
Frank Family Vineyard's wines are produced in small quantities and are currently sold only at the winery and a handful of select restaurants and wine shops. A visit to the winery is not complete without a story-filled tour or at least a walk through the historic building where the thick, stone walls, high-stacked barrels and rich bouquet of aging wines create the utmost in winery ambience. The winery provides separate tasting areas for sparkling wines and still wines.
Now enough about the grounds ... let's talk about the wine!
Frank Family Vineyards 2006 Zinfandel, Napa Valley
Their 2006 Napa Valley Zin is another good find! Crimson in color, this zin has aromas of berry and hints of spice. Nicely balanced, it leads with dark berry flavors like, black and blueberry, and is followed by pepper and notes of clove. This zin is complemented by a long finish of fruit, spices and pepper. The wine drinks warm and you can feel the heat ... it was just a great wine for the price.
Production Notes:
- 15 months maturation in 35% New French Oak and 65% once and twice filled French Oak Barrels
- Blend Composition: 92% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah
Awards:
- 90 Points** --California Grape Vine
- 90 Points** --Wine Enthusiast
- Gold** --Orange County Fair Wine Competition 2009
- Gold, 95 Points, Best of Class-- California State Fair Wine Competition 2009
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Frank Family Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay, Napa Valley
I really enjoyed this wine. Rich and buttery, the 07' Chardonnay's bouquet is full of plums, peaches, and pear aromas. The vibrant nose leads into smooth, and powerfully built, pineapple and lemon notes, with mid-to-high levels of acidity. Vanilla cream then falls onto the palate, and the chardonnay ends with an oaky finish. Mmmm.
Production Notes:
Barrel fermented in 34% new, 33% once and 33% twice filled French Oak barrels for 11 months.
Our Napa Valley Chardonnay is multifaceted and vibrant; it opens with aromas of Kaffir lime leaves, yellow plum, juicy peaches, and dried pear.
- Double Gold** & Best of Class** --National Women's Wine Competition 2009
- Gold ** --San Diego International Wine Competition 2009
- Gold ** --Orange County Fair Wine Competition 2009
- Gold, 94 Points & **Best of Class** --California State Fair Wine Competition 2009
