FALL/WINTER 2016
RICH AND LESLIE FRANK CALL NAPA HOME The Frank Family Vineyards story started in 1990 when Rich Frank purchased a weekend home on a hillside in the heart of Rutherford surrounded by vineyards. Today, the property known as Winston Hill is Rich and his wife Leslie’s full-time residence. For years, the couple traveled between Napa and their other home in Los Angeles while Rich continued to produce television shows, and Leslie worked as a news reporter and anchor for ABC7. Deciding to give up their “day jobs,” the Franks moved to their Napa residence full-time this year to focus on their number one passion, producing quality handcrafted wines for their loyal Frank Family Vineyards followers. Rich and Leslie can be found at the winery on a daily basis, often in the tasting room greeting guests who have come from all over the United States, Canada and even Europe to taste their delicious wines, and enjoy the hospitality of what has been voted “Best Winery in Napa Valley” by the Bay Area A-List for seven years in a row. “We love to the take time to shake hands, take pictures, and hear the stories of our visitors who have stopped into the tasting room,” says Leslie Frank. “It is how we do hospitality here, and it goes back to my days as an executive at Disney; we don’t have customers, we have guests,” says Rich Frank. Not only have the Franks settled into their Napa life, but so has their 8 year old German Shepherd, Riley who steals the attention of the guests as he “works” the tasting room. The Franks believe having a dog-friendly winery just enhances the overall experience for visitors to Frank Family Vineyards. “It’s about making people feel at home,” says Rich Frank “and for Leslie and me, there is no question, when we’re at the winery, we are home.” Rich and Leslie Frank with their dog Riley
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: ARMANDO PADILLA, CELLAR MASTER HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT FRANK FAMILY? “I started on February 19th, 1998. I told myself I would be here for 30 days and here I am 18 years later. I started on the bottling line dumping glass; I didn’t think it would turn into a long term position. Then I began helping in the cellar, first with racking and topping barrels, then slowly moved through the ranks as positions became available. I have learned so much through the years. I love coming here everyday; Frank Family is a great place to be!”
WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT FRANK FAMILY WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN? “Spend time with family. I really enjoy soccer, both playing and watching, and my children play soccer. I go to every game and tournament, so that takes up a lot of time outside of work.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD AND WINE PAIRING? “Green Pozole is my favorite food. It is a type of stew with hominy, tomatillos, cilantro and green chilies and you can add chicken or pork. I really enjoy it most with a glass of Frank Family Carneros Chardonnay.”
WHERE IS SOMEWHERE YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO BUT HAVEN’T BEEN? “I have wanted to go to France ever since I was in high school and took French. Now that I know about wine as an adult I would enjoy it that much more. I would really like to go to Champagne.”
WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE BOTTLE OF WINE YOU HAVE HAD? “Believe it or not it was Frank Family Vineyards 1999 Reserve Cab. It was a great vintage…. that’s an amazing bottle of wine!”
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Cellar Master Armando Padilla
2013 Mt. Veeder Reserve Cabernet
We have included three wine club exclusive wines in this shipment: 2013 Calistoga Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Mt. Veeder Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 2014 Brown Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir. With just 300 cases of each wine produced every vintage, our focus is on quality over quantity. Our wine club exclusive wines are handcrafted using the best quality fruit representing the unique nuances and individuality of each specified AVA within this small valley we call home.
2014 Brown Ranch Pinot Noir
WINE CLUB EXCLUSIVE WINES
2013 Calistoga Reserve Cabernet
Our passion for wine and the Napa Valley is clearly expressed in each and every bottle we at Frank Family Vineyards produce, and we take it a step further with our wine club exclusive wines. Each vintage, Winemaker Todd Graff hand curates small lots of fruit from excellent Napa Valley vineyards and produces limited quantity reserve wines especially for our wine club members.
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CURRENT RELEASES WINEMAKER: TODD GRAFF
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WINSTON HILL | RED WINE Blend Composition 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
Appellation 100% Rutherford
Vineyards Rising nearly 500 feet above the valley floor in the prestigious Rutherford viticultural appellation, Winston Hill is located along the east side of the Napa Valley along the Vaca Mountain range. Winston Hill is located on owner Rich and Leslie Frank’s personal estate. The soil consists of well-drained, volcanic deposits and sandstone. Due to its southwest exposure, Winston Hill has a high radiant value. Typical warm summer days give way to cool nights with soft mountain breezes. The vineyard has an average rainfall of 24-36 inches per year. Approximately 20 acres of vines were planted on Winston Hill starting in1991. Cabernet Sauvignon is the primary variety, along with small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese. Through site specific vineyard management, several clonal selections are matched with the appropriate rootstocks. Extensive hand labor balances the vine canopy and maintains the yields to produce rich and concentrated wines. Winston Hill produces its namesake wine and the flagship for Frank Family Vineyards along with being the foundation for our Rutherford Reserve and Napa Valley Sangiovese.
Cooperage 21 months in 75% new French oak barrels and 25% once-filled French oak barrels
Tasting Notes Frank Family’s flagship Winston Hill is deep purple in the glass. The nose bursts with notes of dark fruit and cocoa, and the palate is gorgeously balanced. The wine has an amazing amount of finesse amidst its ripe fruit and soft tannins — it tastes like velvet with a never-ending finish.
2013 HARVEST
September 17th – October 2nd, 2013
BOTTLED
August 12th, 2015
ALCOHOL 14.5%
CASES 500
RESERVE | RUTHERFORD | CABERNET SAUVIGNON Blend Composition 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot
Appellation 100% Rutherford
Vineyards The Frank Family Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from a few prime vineyards in the Rutherford AVA including: Rich and Leslie Frank’s Winston Hill vineyard. The hand-terraced vine rows have southwestern exposure and consist of well-drained volcanic and sandstone soils that rise nearly 500 feet from the valley floor. Frank Family’s Benjamin Vineyard which is right across the Silverado Trail from Winston Hill and spans 87 acres with 70 acres planted with vines. The Benjamin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon adds depth and the classic “Rutherford dust” character to the Rutherford Reserve. And finishing out the blend are a few hand-selected blocks from our closest neighboring vineyards.
Cooperage 20 months in 50% new French oak barrels and 50% once-filled French oak barrels
Tasting Notes The 2013 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon shows a deep and opaque garnet color. On the nose, aromas of briar and blackberry, dark cherry, vanilla, cloves, and leather emerge from the glass. The full-bodied wine envelopes the palate with tannin and flavors of blackberries, cloves, and coffee. The finish is incredibly long.
2013 HARVEST
September 30th – October 18th, 2013
BOTTLED
August 10th, 2015
ALCOHOL 14.5%
CASES 1,000
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RESERVE | MT. VEEDER CABERNET SAUVIGNON Blend Composition 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation 100% Mt. Veeder
Vineyards The Mt. Veeder Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a very unique appellation. While the Mt. Veeder AVA is large, due to the rugged terrain, plantable acreage is a rare find and is limited to just 1,000 total acres. Located in the southern part of Napa Valley on the western edge, the majority of the vineyards in this AVA sit above the fog-line which creates a mild growing climate adding complexity to the fruit. The soils are sandstone and shale, and this 2500-acre region’s cool temperatures and steep, well-drained hillside vineyards, result in elegant and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cooperage
2013 HARVEST
September 21st & October 7th, 2013
BOTTLED
August 13th, 2015
ALCOHOL 14.5%
CASES 294
20 months in 50% new French oak barrels, 50% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
Tasting Notes The 2013 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon is deep, opaque magenta in the glass. It has a pretty, feminine nose with hints of blackberries. The wine is really well balanced, offering great texture and gobs of juicy black fruits and coffee, with a sweet core that balances the wine’s rich tannins.
RESERVE | CALISTOGA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Blend Composition 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation 100% Calistoga
Vineyards The Calistoga Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a small selection of hand curated vineyards that best represent the AVA. The Calistoga AVA is the northernmost growing region in Napa Valley. This small region experiences the most dramatic diurnal temperature variations in all of Napa Valley, resulting in an idyllic match of both phenolic ripeness and balanced acidity. With the Vaca Range to the east and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west, this 2500 acre region is famous for a warm growing season and well drained volcanic soil perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cooperage
2013 HARVEST
ALCOHOL
BOTTLED
CASES
September 27rd, 2013 August 13th, 2015
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14.5% 294
20 months in 50% new French oak barrels, 50% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
Tasting Notes The 2013 Calistoga Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerhouse wine. The wine’s color is very dark burgundy with garnets on the rim. The nose is beautiful—cloves, black cherries, and cedar. The wine envelops the entire mouth upon entry. Balanced yet tannic in its youth, it promises to be tremendously giving with a bit of air (decant) when young, and will age gracefully for 15+ years to come.
RESERVE | CHILES VALLEY | NAPA VALLEY ZINFANDEL Blend Composition 89% Zinfandel, 11% Petite Sirah
Appellation 100% Napa Valley
Vineyards Our Zinfandel is the only varietal in our portfolio that we source completely, and we’re honored to have a long-term relationship with our growers, the Nichelini family. Chiles Valley AVA is located in the Vaca Mountains on the northeast side of the Napa Valley. The region is ideal for Zinfandel because of warmer temperatures.
Cooperage 16 months in 50% new French oak barrels and 50% neutral barrels
Tasting Notes The 2014 Chiles Valley Reserve Zinfandel is burgundy colored in the glass. This wine has an earthy nose, with notes of cloves and root beer. Medium-bodied, it coats the palate with flavors of black pepper and spice, combined with fresh raspberries. These red fruit notes and soft tannins linger on the palate through its finish.
2014 HARVEST
September 29th – October 14th, 2014
BOTTLED
March 18th, 2016
ALCOHOL 14.9%
CASES 1,000
RESERVE | S&J VINEYARD PETITE SIRAH Blend Composition 100% Petite Sirah
Appellation 100% Napa Valley
Vineyards The S&J Vineyard is made up of 206 acres of land located east of the Vaca Mountain range in Napa’s Capell Valley. Purchased in 2000, it is named for Darryl Frank’s children, Stella and Jeremy, and is planted to 58 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with 9 acres of Petite Sirah and 9 acres of Zinfandel. The soils are fertile, well-drained and clay loam-based, reminiscent of the Rutherford Bench.
Cooperage 20 months in 33% new French oak barrels, 67% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
Tasting Notes The 2013 S&J Vineyard Petite Sirah is opaque in appearance with a deep ruby red color. A seductive blend of blackberry, ripe plum, licorice, black tea and cloves entices the palate. Graceful yet powerful, the wine has a voluptuous body which is supported by its fresh acidity. Rich flavors of black fruit, dark chocolate and spice continue through the long finish.
2013 HARVEST
ALCOHOL
BOTTLED
CASES
September 19th, 2013 August 14th, 2015
14.5% 1,000
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RESERVE | BROWN RANCH | PINOT NOIR Blend Composition 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation 100% Carneros
Vineyards The Brown Ranch Reserve Pinot Noir comes from a 29-acre vineyard located in Carneros, the southernmost AVA in Napa Valley. This small vineyard sits on a hillside, inland from the San Pablo Bay, and its delicate clay loam soils combine with cool marine influence to create an elegant and age-worthy wine.
Cooperage 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels, 50% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
Tasting Notes
2014 HARVEST
September 4th & September 13th, 2014
BOTTLED
August 13th, 2015
The Brown Ranch Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir is deep ruby red in color. Bountiful aromas of raspberries and cherry cola rise from the glass, and linger on through the first sip. The mid palate is very generous. The wine is voluptuous yet bright, with mouthwatering flavors of freshly picked plums, and notes of licorice and graphite.
ALCOHOL 14.5 %
CASES 293
NAPA VALLEY | CABERNET SAUVIGNON Blend Composition 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
Appellation 100% Napa Valley
Vineyards Frank Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is comprised of fruit from our S&J Vineyard, Benjamin Vineyard and a select few local vineyards. The S&J Vineyard is made up of 206 acres of land located east of the Vaca Mountain range in Napa’s Capell Valley. Purchased in 2000, it is named for Darryl Frank’s children, Stella and Jeremy, and is planted to 58 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with 9 acres of Petite Sirah and 9 acres of Zinfandel. The soils are fertile, well-drained and clay loam-based, reminiscent of the Rutherford Bench.
2013 HARVEST
September 11th – October 24th, 2013
BOTTLED June 2015
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ALCOHOL 14.5%
CASES 25,000
The Benjamin Vineyard is located east of Conn Creek Road in the heart of the Rutherford AVA. Purchased by Frank Family Vineyards in 2012, the 87-acre parcel, formerly known as Woods Ranch, was renamed for Paul Frank’s son, and is planted with 50 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 8 acres of Petit Verdot, and 2 acres each of Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The vineyard is composed of gravelly loam soil as a result of sediment from the Conn Creek and Napa River which flowed through the region thousands of years ago.
Cooperage 20 months in 33% new and 67% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
Tasting Notes The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon has an enticing nose of blackberries, bay leaf and graphite; on the palate the wine is full bodied, and reminiscent of cocoa-dusted dark chocolate truffles, cloves and blackberries.
CARNEROS | NAPA VALLEY | PINOT NOIR Blend Composition 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation 100% Carneros
Vineyards The foundation for the 2014 Carneros Chardonnay is Frank Family’s Lewis Vineyard, located in the heart of Napa-Carneros, near the shores of the San Pablo Bay. It is made up of 78 acres planted on gently rolling hills, with 68 acres planted to Chardonnay and 10 acres planted to Pinot Noir. The predominant maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean creates the cool temperature, fog and wind that make Carneros ideally suited for growing cool climate varietals. The Lewis Vineyard consists primarily of shallow and dense clay loam soils, receiving only 20 inches of rainfall annually. The restricting soils result in extremely low yields, producing grapes with strong character and balanced acidity.
Cooperage 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels, 67% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
Tasting Notes The 2014 Carneros Pinot Noir is light ruby red in the glass. This has an earthy nose, with notes that pop with aromas of baking spices, especially cinnamon. The palate offers bright, fresh flavors of Rainier cherries and vanilla, and a round mouthfeel.
2014 HARVEST
September 2nd – October 9th, 2014
BOTTLED July 2015
ALCOHOL 14.5%
CASES 5,000
CARNEROS | NAPA VALLEY | CHARDONNAY Blend Composition
100% Chardonnay: 64% Carneros-Napa, 36% Carneros-Sonoma
Appellation 100% Carneros
Vineyards The foundation for the 2014 Carneros Chardonnay is Frank Family’s Lewis Vineyard, located in the heart of Napa-Carneros, near the shores of the San Pablo Bay. It is made up of 78 acres planted on gently rolling hills, with 68 acres planted to Chardonnay and 10 acres planted to Pinot Noir. The predominant maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean creates the cool temperature, fog and wind that make Carneros ideally suited for growing cool climate varietals. The Lewis Vineyard consists primarily of shallow and dense clay loam soils, receiving only 20 inches of rainfall annually. The restricting soils result in extremely low yields, producing grapes with strong character and balanced acidity.
Cooperage Barrel fermented in 34% new, 33% once and 33% twice-filled French oak barrels for 9 months. While ageing on the lees, the wine was hand stirred regularly to promote depth and longevity.
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The 2014 Chardonnay has a pale yellow straw color. Aromas of white flowers, stone fruit, lemon zest and a hint of vanilla, lead to a rich and enveloping palate of lychee fruit and toasted almonds, with bright, mouth-watering acidity.
September 2th – October 9th, 2014
HARVEST BOTTLED July 2015
ALCOHOL 14.5%
CASES 25,000
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SPARKLING WINES Frank Family’s portfolio of sparkling wines are made with fruit from the NapaCarneros region. The predominant maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean creates the cool temperature, fog and wind that make Carneros ideally suited for growing cool climate varietals. The region consists primarily of shallow and dense clay loam soils. The restricting soils result in extremely low yields, producing grapes with strong character and balanced acidity.
RESERVE | LADY EDYTHE Blend Composition
52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir
Appellation 100% Carneros Napa Valley
Tasting Notes The 2010 Lady Edyth Reserve Brut is pale straw yellow in color, with notes of lemon peel and buttered toast. Flavors of tart Granny Smith apples and freshly baked biscuits coat the palate, coupled with mouthwatering acidity and a round mouthfeel that linger through the wine’s long finish.
2010 HARVEST
September 10th, 2010
BOTTLED
May 12th, 2011
DISGORGED
February 17th, 2016
ALCOHOL 12%
CASES 300
SPARKLING | BRUT ROSE WINEMAKING The Frank Family Vineyards sparkling wines are hand crafted in our cellars using the traditional Méthod Champenoise, where the secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle. These wines age on the lees and then are hand riddled before disgorgement. 10
Blend Composition
76% Pinot Noir, 24% Chardonnay
Appellation
100% Carneros, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
2012 HARVEST
August 23rd, 2012
BOTTLED
The 2012 Sparkling Brut Rosé is pale salmon in color. On the nose, perfumes of fresh strawberries and warm, toasted Brioche rise from the glass. This wine is dry and mouthwatering from the first sip. Fine bubbles and crisp flavors of tart yellow cherries, green apples, and wild strawberries coat the palate, and its vibrant acidity leads to a long finish.
May 15th, 2013
DISGORGED
January 17th, 2016
ALCOHOL 12%
CASES 600
SPARKLING | ROUGE Blend Composition
62% Pinot Noir, 27% Chardonnay, 11% Petite Sirah
Appellation
100% Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
The 2012 Sparkling Rouge is soft ruby in color, and opens with aromas of pomegranate and red roses. Lively bubbles envelop the entire mouth upon entry with flavors of tart cranberries, strawberries. A bright acidity remains on the palate through its long finish.
2012 HARVEST
August 23rd & September 5th, 2012
BOTTLED
May 15th, 2013
DISGORGED July 5th, 2016
ALCOHOL 12.6%
CASES 500
SPARKLING | BLANC DE BLANCS Blend Composition 100% Chardonnay
Appellation
100% Carneros, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
The 2012 Blanc de Blancs is pale gold color in the glass. Fresh aromas of lemon zest, Crème brûlée and toasted brioche rise from the glass. The mid-palate is luscious and creamy with flavors of freshly-baked biscuits and tart green apples. Effervescent citrus and green apple flavors linger on the palate through its long finish.
2012 HARVEST
September 6th, 2012
BOTTLED
May 13th, 2013
DISGORGED
January 16th, 2016
ALCOHOL 12%
CASES 500
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This fall,
Frank Family Vineyards is proud to release the inaugural vintage of Lady Edythe. We have affectionately called our 2010 Reserve Brut, Lady Edythe, in honor of our matriarch Edythe Frank, a woman of elegance, strength and dignity.
Edythe
was a mother, grandmother and great grandmother who was happily married to our patriarch, Hy Frank, for more than 70 years. This remarkable couple met on a blind date in Brooklyn in the late 1930s and it was truly love at first sight. At the end of that magical first encounter, when Hy drove Edythe home, they realized their families lived only doors apart in the same apartment building. What began as a whirlwind romance, turned into the kind of love story symbolic of a Hollywood movie. A few short years after the couple was married, Hy was sent off to war, leaving Edythe to care for their baby son Rich. After Hy returned home four years later, the couple expanded their family with the birth of their second son, Billy. Edythe was a pillar of strength and support for her family and friends, always putting others’ needs before her own. As a second generation American, Edythe appreciated the opportunities within her reach, and realized the importance of giving back to her community. She founded a charity to raise money for Leukemia research in honor of her best friend Zelda who passed away at a young age. Edythe was always there with a helping hand for anyone in need. Sadly, in 2011, we lost our beloved Edythe at the age of 94. But her memory will live on with every bottle of the beautiful, handcrafted, effervescent wine we call Lady Edythe, as a tribute to our matriarch.
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To place an order call 707-942-2304 or visit frankfamilyvineyards.com
recipe brought to you by
RECIPE PAIRING:
REDD
NAPA VALLEY
Executive Chef/Owner Richard Reddington REDD Restaurant
SAUTÉED DIVER SCALLOPS CAULIFLOWER PURÉE CAPERS ALMONDS GOLDEN RAISINS Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
16 each fresh scallops
(day boat if possible) 2 cups cauliflower florets ¼ cup cream 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons capers 2 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted 2 tablespoons golden raisins 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ½ cup balsamic vinegar, reduced 1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE CHEF 1. Bring balsamic vinegar to a boil and reduce to syrup consistency; once reduced remove from heat and set aside. 2. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil and season with salt to taste. 3. Break one head of cauliflower into small equal pieces. Reserve 1 cup of florets for garnish. Blanch garnish florets for 60 seconds in the boiling water, strain and place into prepared ice bath. Strain from ice bath and set aside.
4. Cook remaining florets in boiling water until tender, strain and place into prepared ice bath. Strain from ice bath, place florets in a saucepan and cover with the cream. Cook for 8 minutes. Purée and put through a fine mesh sieve. Keep warm. 5. Season scallops with salt and pepper and set aside. 6. Place olive oil in a 12-14 inch sauté pan over medium heat. Heat pan until the oil begins to smoke, then gently add the scallops to the pan. Only cook one serving at a time (4 scallops). Cook approximately 1 to 1 ½ minutes per side allowing to slightly golden (exact time will vary depending on thickness of the scallops). 7. Warm a second sauté pan over medium heat. Add butter and cook until it starts to brown. Once butter has browned, add reserved garnish florets and cook for 1 minute. Then add capers, almonds and raisins; season with salt and pepper and heat through. 8. Warm 4 plates. Put a small circle of cauliflower purée in the middle. Add ¼ of the cauliflower, caper, raisin and almond garnish to the middle of each plate. Add four scallops to each plate and top with freshly chopped parsley. Drizzle balsamic reduction and a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil around the plate… and enjoy!
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Harvest in Frank Family’s Lewis Vineyard
VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT: LEWIS VINEYARD NAPA-CARNEROS AVA Located in the famously bucolic region of Napa-Carneros, Frank Family’s Lewis Vineyard is situated on gently rolling hills near the shores of San Pablo Bay. From the lower blocks you can nearly throw a stone into the calm waters bordering the south of this picturesque property. Surrounded by some of the best producers in the region, the vineyard was purchased by Rich Frank in 2000 and is named after his eldest grandson, Lewis. The vineyard is 78 acres in total, with 68 acres planted to Chardonnay and 10 acres planted to Pinot Noir. One of the southern most vineyards in the Carneros AVA, the predominant maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean creates the cool temperature, fog and wind that make our Lewis Vineyard
EAST MEETS WEST:
ideally suited for growing world class Burgundy varietals. In addition to producing our award winning Reserve Lewis Vineyard Chardonnay and Reserve Lewis Vineyard Pinot Noir from this scenic property, we also use a small selection of grapes from this vineyard for our sparkling wines and Late Harvest Chardonnay. The soils on Lewis Vineyard are heavy Haire Clay Loam only 2-4 feet deep with hardpan clay soil underneath. The restricting soils, limited rainfall averaging only 20 inches per year, and cool growing conditions result in extremely low yields, producing grapes with strong character and balanced acidity to create beautifully delicate age-worthy wines.
“BEST IN SHOW” CARNEROS PINOT
Frank Family Vineyards Wins Big at International Wine Competition. Frank Family Vineyards 2013 Carneros Pinot Noir took home “Best of Show” and “Best Red Wine” at the 2016 East Meets West International Wine Challenge. It is an incredible honor to have our wine chosen number one in this prestigious blind tasting by such a respected panel of judges. The 34-year-old wine competition, sponsored by Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine, had nearly 1,300 entries this year where awards were given in each category.
RECAP:
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EUROPE’S RIVERS AND CASTLES CRUISE
Winemaker, Todd Graff
uly was a month to remember for our wine club members who joined Frank Family Vineyards Winemaker Todd Graff aboard a scenic European River and Castles Cruise. Starting in the beautiful town of Nuremberg and ending in Luxembourg, guests spent eight days experiencing parts of the region seemingly untouched by time. Wine club members were exposed to the beauty of the countryside along the Main, Rhine and Mosel Rivers while sipping Frank Family’s award winning sparkling and still wines. Everyone on board was invited to take part in organized shore excursions and a three part wine lecture series hosted by Todd. “The tasting lectures were a great way to spend time with our wonderful members, there was great camaraderie between all of the Frank Family guests on the cruise,” said Todd. Among the highlights of the river cruise were the endearing medieval towns of Germany. While in the city of Bamberg guests visited a number of historical landmarks including Old Town Hall, which is built like an island in the middle of the Regnitz River accessible only by bridges. Originally constructed in
1476, it stands between the north bank where the trades people lived, and the south bank where the bishops ruled, a powerful example of the historical division of classes.
Todd. Guests enjoyed a beautiful four-course meal prepared by a world-class chef. Each course was thoughtfully paired with an array of our Frank Family Vineyards’ award winning wines.
After a walking tour, guests boarded the ship where Todd gave a wine lecture focusing on “Chardonnay Three Ways.” The intimate setting allowed guests to ask questions and gain knowledge directly from our esteemed winemaker. The tasting included Frank Family Vineyards’ Carneros Chardonnay, Reserve Lewis Vineyard Chardonnay and Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine.
The cruise continued west onto the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, famed for its castles and fortress ruins. The winemaking town of Rudesheim was of particular interest where everyone enjoyed tasting local wines and taking in spectacular views of the vineyards and beautiful Rhine Valley.
The trip also provided guests the opportunity to explore and taste wines from Wurzburg, one of Germany’s biggest wine producing regions, set amidst beautiful rolling hills. “One of the greatest advantages of this cruise is that we almost always docked right near the main point of interest, which allowed for easy access to the on-shore activities,” said Todd. While cruising along the Main River, Todd lectured on the nuances of Napa Valley Pinot Noir while guests tasted our Frank Family Vineyards’ Carneros Pinot Noir, Reserve Lewis Vineyard Pinot Noir and Brut Rose Sparkling wine. The culinary highlight of the cruise was the much anticipated Winemaker’s Dinner, hosted by
As the ship wound its way through the peaceful Mosel Valley, Todd concluded his lecture series with a talk and tasting on Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Saugvignon. Our Napa Valley Cabernet, Rutherford Reserve Cabernet and Winston Hill Cabernet blend were enjoyed during the capstone of this memorable trip. As the cruise ship made it to the final port of call in the town of Wasserbillig, in eastern Luxembourg, new friends said goodbye until the next time they rendezvous in wine country. “It’s always so special meeting old friends and new while on these sight seeing cruises. Sharing stories and experiences, creating lasting friendships, and all because we were brought together by one common thread… the love of fine wine,” said Todd.
WINE CLUB EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
VISIT FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS With some of the deepest historic roots in Napa Valley Frank Family Vineyards is truly a unique experience. We invite you to visit us on your next trip to wine country! Enjoy a tasting of our critically acclaimed wines followed by a picnic under our century old Elm tress and soak in the beauty of the surrounding vineyards. As a wine club member, we want to ensure that your visit is both memorable and enjoyable. To guarantee a tasting at your preferred time, we require scheduling an appointment in advance by calling Wine Club Manager, Lisa Gift, at (800) 574-9436. Additionally, we are happy to assist you with your trip to the region by making recommendations for accommodations, transportation and dining. We have many partners offering preferred rates to our members, so please take advantage. Our members are our most valued brand ambassadors, and we have an honest commitment to provide you with the best wine club experience possible, thank you for your continued support!
OUR WINE CLUB MEMBERS RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY RESERVE TASTINGS FOR A PARTY OF FOUR WITH AN ADVANCED RESERVATION. SUMMER CELEBRATION DINNER
DUNGENESS CRAB DINNER Nothing says it’s wintertime in the Bay Area like Dungeness crab season. February marked our first ever Wine Club Dungeness Crab Dinner at the winery. Hosted by Rich and Leslie Frank inside the historic stone building, members and guests where treated to a spectacular evening of Frank Family Vineyards’ award winning wines, a delicious meal and easy listening music. Mark your calendars for our 2nd Annual Dungeness Crab Dinner on Saturday, February 18th.
CHARDONNAY AND LOBSTER FEED We said goodbye to summer with a bang, at the annual Frank Family Chardonnay and Lobster Fest. Hosted on the Member’s Lawn, the event was attended by wine club members and guests from across the country. Fresh oysters and champagne were enjoyed by all as guests arrived, followed by a family style meal of fresh Maine Lobster with all the traditional accoutrements. The evening concluded with dancing and a trip to the photo booth by all.
2017 EVENT CALENDAR FEBRUARY 18 TH Dungeness Crab Fest
MARCH 18TH-28 TH
Tahiti Wine Cruise with Todd Graff
APRIL 29 TH
Queen of Hearts- Cabernet Casino Night
JUNE 24 TH
Summer Celebration- Pig Roast
FOOD TRUCK ROUND UP
AUGUST 12 TH
We kicked off the spring season with our Food Truck Round Up. This fun outdoor event at the winery featured four area favorite food trucks, six award winning Frank Family wines, classic arcade games, and a rockin’ band that had everyone on their feet all night long!
Chardonnay and Lobster Dinner
SEPTEMBER 16 TH Day on the Bay
DECEMBER 2 ND
Member Holiday Party
Marking the longest day of the year, winemaker Todd Graff and our legendary Dennis Zablosky hosted an elegant evening at Evangeline Restaurant in Calistoga. Guests enjoyed a luxurious, private six-course dinner perfectly paired with library and Reserve Frank Family wines. The evening concluded with dessert, dancing and a thoughtful parting gift for those who came out in celebration of this magical evening.
1091 Larkmead Lane Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 942-0859 www.FRANKFAMILYVINEYARDS.com Find us on Facebook!