Review: Wines of Frank Family Vineyards, 2016 Releases
Three new reds from Frank Family, vying for a spot on your winter table.
2014 Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Carneros – A darker and denser pinot than we’ve come to expect from Carneros, complete with notes of bittersweet chocolate, licorice root, and gritty charcoal. Good thing there’s ample fruit to keep all of the above in check, providing balance in the form of dark cherries and notes of dried tea. Quite drying on the finish. B+ / $35
2013 Frank Family Vineyards Petite Sirah Napa Valley – A classic petite sirah, loaded up with burly notes of licorice, tannic charred wood, and fruit leather. The tannins grip the palate immediately and hang on for dear life — this is a bold wine that requires a bold food pairing to really be approachable, at which point it reveals more charms in the form of light florals and fresher fruit notes. B+ / $35
2013 Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley – Dusty up front and intensely tannic, this is a restrained cab loaded up with brambly notes, licorice (again, yes), tobacco, and tar. The fruit layer lies well beneath all of this, but give the wine plenty of time and ample air (decanting isn’t out of the question) and some of its charms make their way to the fore. A better plan might involve a couple of years of cellaring, though. B / $53
2013 Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
$53
