Frank Family Vineyards
Napa Valley Zinfandel
Napa Valley, California, USA
Highly-extracted but under control (barely). Nose has scorched earth, spice-spiked maple syrup, hot dusty sandstone, ripe blackberry, roasted fresh green herbs. Ripe on initial entry, then turns tannic and structured with chalky-textured tannin and discernible bitterness on the finish. Needs a big hearty winter stew. (Was a bit overpowering for my puttanesca.)
Highly-extracted but under control (barely). Nose has scorched earth, spice-spiked maple syrup, hot dusty sandstone, ripe blackberry, roasted fresh green herbs. Ripe on initial entry, then turns tannic and structured with chalky-textured tannin and discernible bitterness on the finish. Needs a big hearty winter stew. (Was a bit overpowering for my puttanesca.)
Feb 27th, 2021
FFV first constructed as the Larkmead Winery in 1884, the building was refinished with native sandstone from the nearby hills in 1906 and still stands tall today. Blended with 11% Petite Sirah, aromas of rich dark fruits with herb spice notes. On the palate cherry and raspberry flavors with some vanilla oak and pepper spice. Firm tannins, medium finish, good mouthfeel ending with spicy fruit character. Nice!
FFV first constructed as the Larkmead Winery in 1884, the building was refinished with native sandstone from the nearby hills in 1906 and still stands tall today. Blended with 11% Petite Sirah, aromas of rich dark fruits with herb spice notes. On the palate cherry and raspberry flavors with some vanilla oak and pepper spice. Firm tannins, medium finish, good mouthfeel ending with spicy fruit character. Nice!
Apr 8th, 2019Owned by Richard Frank and Koerner Rombauer. 14% Petite Sirah and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon is added to enhance the wine. Deep, deep red! Aromas of wild berry fruits, pungent spice and earthy notes. On the palate blackberry and raspberry flavors with pepper spice, some tobacco and oak character. Savory soft tannins, lingering ending with a burst of fruit. Nice.
Owned by Richard Frank and Koerner Rombauer. 14% Petite Sirah and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon is added to enhance the wine. Deep, deep red! Aromas of wild berry fruits, pungent spice and earthy notes. On the palate blackberry and raspberry flavors with pepper spice, some tobacco and oak character. Savory soft tannins, lingering ending with a burst of fruit. Nice.
Nov 3rd, 2017
Big, jammy, raisins, very high alcohol and moderate- acidity. All dried, concentrated black and red fruits. Syrup like. Not my style but well made.
Big, jammy, raisins, very high alcohol and moderate- acidity. All dried, concentrated black and red fruits. Syrup like. Not my style but well made.
Oct 13th, 2017
Great Zinfandel for National Zinfandel Day tomorrow.
Medium purplish ruby red. Nose is layered with mint, plums, dark cocoa, pepper, a little cinnamon and some cherries. More spices as it airs. Medium tannins (5/10) and dry medium body. Rounded palate with bramble berries, plums, herbal, tobacco and some twigs. Not too jammy either. Medium to medium plus finish. Drink till 2022.
Great Zinfandel for National Zinfandel Day tomorrow.
Medium purplish ruby red. Nose is layered with mint, plums, dark cocoa, pepper, a little cinnamon and some cherries. More spices as it airs. Medium tannins (5/10) and dry medium body. Rounded palate with bramble berries, plums, herbal, tobacco and some twigs. Not too jammy either. Medium to medium plus finish. Drink till 2022.
Not a big red zin fan in general, but this works on a chill out thursday. 8.8 points.
Not a big red zin fan in general, but this works on a chill out thursday. 8.8 points.
2 people found it helpfulApr 16th, 2015Fruity upfront. Soft berries in the middle with a touch of anise spice. Very little peppery taste for a zin.
Fruity upfront. Soft berries in the middle with a touch of anise spice. Very little peppery taste for a zin.
2 people found it helpfulFeb 7th, 2015Floral and fig notes. A smooth, mellow middle. Well blended and non confrontational. The kind if wine you enjoy but don't have to think about. It sits a little heavy on the tongue, a bit richer than most Zins, but thoroughly enjoyable.
Floral and fig notes. A smooth, mellow middle. Well blended and non confrontational. The kind if wine you enjoy but don't have to think about. It sits a little heavy on the tongue, a bit richer than most Zins, but thoroughly enjoyable.
2 people found it helpfulSep 29th, 2013
Boozy. Luxardo cherries. Vanilla. Clove. Chest warming.
Boozy. Luxardo cherries. Vanilla. Clove. Chest warming.
1 person found it helpfulOct 4th, 2020
To live in the valley is to have a winemaker as your neighbor who gifts you wine from his personal cellar and in times of great need, hand it over the fence to you! Thank you Todd Graff !
To live in the valley is to have a winemaker as your neighbor who gifts you wine from his personal cellar and in times of great need, hand it over the fence to you! Thank you Todd Graff !