Frank Family Vineyards

This weekend we went wine tasting at our local wine merchant, Capitol Cellars. Frank Family Vineyards was pouring four of their wines, and I thought I put together a little review on those, as we enjoyed the tasting.

First out was the 2005 Napa Valley Chardonnay ($34). Medium straw color in the glass with citrus, ripe apple, and a hint of white floral on the nose. On the palate the apple and citrus plays an initial role before the round creamy mouth feel steps in. This is however not an overly oaky chardonnay. It has refreshing acidity that balances the creaminess out and gives it a fresh and somewhat crisp finish. Over all a very nice chardonnay.

The 2005 Napa Valley Zinfandel ($34) was up next. This zin has a dark red/purple, but relatively clear/thin, color in the glass. On the nose it displays raspberry, strawberry and a spicy note from pepper. On the palate darker fruit with black raspberry and blackberry emerges with mouth watering acidity and high in firm tannins. You are left with the firm tannins at the end of the finish and I wish the fruit held up a little better against it. Might benefit from decanting an hour or so before consuming.

The 2003 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($45) has up front dusty, black cherry with spice notes and a touch of vanilla. In the mouth black cherry, black currant and black berry dominate with not to firm tannins. Balanced wine altogether made in a more delicate style.


2003 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($85) was our favorite of the four wines poured. It has a beautiful ruby red/purple color in the glass. Aromas of plum, black cherry and blackberry greet you on the nose with a touch of vanilla caramel at the end. On the palate black currant, black berries and cherry with relatively smooth, but still somewhat firm, tannins. The great balance between the different components gives this wine a long memorable finish. Not to bad of a Cabernet Sauvignon...


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