Frank Family Subscriptions • July 2021
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As July rolls in and the summer heats up, so does the work in the vineyards. It seems as if overnight the vines have grown to their full potential, and we will be harvesting the grapes before we know it. With this rapid growth, our teams have been extremely busy working row by row maintaining the vineyard canopy to optimize the quality of the fruit. The excitement of the approaching harvest season can be felt around Napa Valley! In addition to the vineyards, the summer sun is causing everything to grown, including our Winston Hill garden which has been overflowing with heirloom tomatoes. We’ve been having fun experimenting with new summer tomato dish recipes and think you’ll enjoy what we’re bringing to the table. July holds a special place in our hearts as it is the month we opened our doors to the public in 1993. Since then, and with your help, our winery has grown immensely. We are incredibly grateful for the 28 years of hosting guests, telling stories, and connecting over wine with all of you. In honor of our 28th anniversary, on page 20 we share fun facts about our winey over the years.
Fran k Fam i ly Sub s cr ipt ions
We hope to see you at the winery soon, but in the meantime please enjoy your monthly delivery of your favorite Frank Family wines. We also hope you enjoy this month’s online newsletter filled with wine details, one of our favorite summer tomato dish recipes, and fun facts. We hope you continue to have a delightful summer, now with a bottle of Frank Family in hand!
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Rich & Leslie Frank Proprietors
Subscriptions Overview Carneros Chardonnay
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2019
2018
Carneros Pinot Noir
Portfolio Collection
2019
2018 Lewis Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 Lewis Vineyard Pinot Noir
Napa Valley Zinfandel
2017 RHF Cabernet Sauvignon
June 2021
2018
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Carneros Chardonnay 2019 Tasting Notes A vibrant citrus-led nose delves into nuanced flavors of baked apple, toasted oak, and brioche on the full-bodied palate. The rich mouthfeel is harmonized by a lasting thread of bright acidity that lifts and maintains freshness on the long finish. Winemaker Notes As with all my wines, I am looking for texture and complexity. To achieve this, I practice a long cold fermentation and then put the wine through malolactic fermentation to soften the overall high acidity. While aging, I employ batonage (hand-stirring the lees) to give weight and depth to the wine. Sourcing Sourced primarily from our family-owned Lewis Vineyard as well as neighboring Beckstoffer Vineyards and Hudson Vineyards located in Napa-Carneros and Sangiacomo Vineyards located in Sonoma-Carneros. Aging Barrel fermented in 34% new, 33% once and 33% twice-filled French oak barrels for 8 months.
Varietal Composition
100% Chardonnay
Harvest Date
September 4 - October 11, 2019
Bottled
June 2020
Acid 0.56 g/100ml Fran k Fam i ly Sub s cr ipt ions
pH 3.46
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Alcohol 14.4%
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Carneros Pinot Noir 2019 Tasting Notes A beautiful expression of the Carneros appellation, this Pinot Noir opens with lively aromas of strawberry, ripe red cherry, and a touch of baking spice. The palate is greeted with a juicy, full-bodied mouthfeel and refreshing, well-balanced acidity that lingers on the finish. Winemaker Notes We’re not trying to make a Burgundian Pinot Noir. We are blessed with California sunshine and we have to farm with that in mind. We’ve learned a lot from the French and we respect the French, but we’re trying to do what California does best. We have an abundance of this great fruit, so we’re not going to hide it at all. Sourcing Winemaking starts in the vineyard and we are lucky to have been working with a few family vintners for more than a decade. The Sangiacomos in Sonoma-Carneros and the Beckstoffers in Napa Carneros farm two of the vineyards of which this wine is made. Both families are stewards of the land and masters at cultivating plush Pinot Noir grapes that capture the essence of the Carneros terroir. In the winery, we are able to ‘marry’ these two vineyards with our beautiful estate-grown Lewis Vineyard fruit in a way that highlights and praises all that Carneros has to offer. Aging
Fran k Fam i ly Sub s cr ipt ions
10 months in 33% new French oak barrels, 67% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
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Varietal Composition
100% Pinot Noir
Harvest Date
September 19- 30, 2019
Bottled
June 2020
Acid 0.57 g/100ml pH 3.56 Alcohol 14.5%
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Napa Valley Zinfandel 2018 Tasting Notes Fragrant earthiness lies beneath rich black cherry and plum flavors in this full-bodied, deep-colored wine. Mocha, cardamom, and baked cherry enhance the wine’s refreshing acidity and powerful tannins that find harmony on the lingering finish. Winemaker Notes Frank Family is passionate about California’s heritage grape, Zinfandel. A notorious uneven ripener, it is difficult to grow in certain years, but 2018 brought generous sun and a long, mild harvest season which provided our grapes ideal conditions to ripen fully. Some of our estate Zinfandel vines were planted as early as 1999 and continue to produce stellar fruit each year. Sourcing This Napa Valley-designate wine is cultivated from our estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford and from neighboring vineyards in St. Helena and Calistoga. Frank Family's S&J Vineyard is comprised of 75 planted acres on fertile, well-draining soil, reminiscent of the Rutherford Bench. Our newest family-owned vineyard, Benjamin Vineyard, is located east of Conn Creek Road on the Rutherford floor. The site is anchored by gravely loam soil as a result of sediment from the nearby Conn Creek and Napa River. Aging
Fran k Fam i ly Sub s cr ipt ions
16 months in 33% new and 67% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
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Varietal Composition
89% Zinfandel, 11% Petite Sirah
Harvest Date
September 9 - October 16, 2018
Bottled
April 9, 2020
Acid 0.64 g/100ml pH 3.69 Alcohol 14.8%
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Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Tasting Notes A beautiful wine from a near-perfect vintage, this robust Cabernet Sauvignon shows balance and complexity - a blend of dark berry, generous oak notes, clove, and nutmeg. This is a supple and complex wine, full-bodied in style, with a punch of power, ripeness, and elegance from start to finish. Winemaker Notes Our goal is to make a complete, balanced wine. Cabernet Sauvignon is a great grape, it’s the king of Napa Valley after-all. But it can benefit from the addition of other grapes, like Merlot which adds some softness. Together you get the whole package. Sourcing Sourced primarily from our family-owned S&J Vineyard in Napa’s Capell Valley and our Benjamin Vineyard located on the valley floor in the heart of Rutherford. Additional vineyard sources include neighboring Quarry Vineyard and Round Pond Estate both in Rutherford as well as Delouise and Shooting Star Vineyard located in Napa Valley. Aging 20 months in 33% new and 67% once and twice-filled French oak barrels
Varietal Composition
96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petite Verdot, 2%
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Merlot
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Harvest Date
October 17 - November 6, 2018
Bottled
July 2020
Acid 0.60 g/100ml pH 3.64 Alcohol 14.5%
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Lewis Vineyard Chardonnay 2018
Tasting Notes
A compelling combination of vanilla, mango, and pineapple aromas invite the nose into this wine, where wafts of lemon curd and toast arise. e palate is rich in texture, balanced by brilliant, bracing acidity. Flavors of magnolia blossom, honey, and crème brûlée mingle in delicious harmony leading to a soft yet lengthy finish. Winemaker Notes Consistently producing our best fruit year after year is Lewis Vineyard, the last vineyard before the bay off the backcountry roads of Carneros. Our winemaking team makes minimal adjustments in the winery, allowing the natural flavors from the land to show through. Sourcing Lewis Vineyard has been a part of our family since 2000 and has become the cornerstone of Frank Family’s Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wine programs. Its proximity to the San Pablo Bay has an unique affect on the vines. A combination of ample sunshine and daily cool ocean breezes allow each berry to ripen fully while retaining its natural acidity. The result is gorgeous, balanced wines deserving of the Carneros designation. Aging 11 months in 100% new French oak barrels
Varietal Composition
100% Chardonnay
Harvest Date
September 26-29, 2018
Bottled
September 9, 2019
Acid 0.67 g/100ml Alcohol 14.5%
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pH 3.38
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Fran k Fam i ly Sub s cr ipt ions
Lewis Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019
Tasting Notes
The grace of Carneros shines through the glass as aromas of ripe plum, black cherry and hints of lavender greet the nose. On the palate, flavors of fresh raspberry mingle with flecks of cardamom and baking spice. A bright pop of acid mid-palate offers refreshing balance followed by a satisfying and lingering finish. Winemaker Notes Carneros is the coolest region the the Napa Valley. The temperate weather in addition to the location of our Lewis Vineyard, which sits on a slope facing the San Pablo Bay, truly make this vineyard an ideal site for growing Pinot Noir. The grapes are kept separate from other lots throughout the winemaking process, resulting in a singlevineyard wine bursting with energy, grace, and length. Sourcing Lewis Vineyard has been a part of our family since 2000 and has become the cornerstone of Frank Family’s Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wine programs. Its proximity to the San Pablo Bay has an unique affect on the vines. A combination of ample sunshine and daily cool ocean breezes allow each berry to ripen fully while retaining its natural acidity. The result is gorgeous, balanced wines deserving of the Carneros designation. Aging 10 months in 50% new and 50% once-filled French oak barrels
Varietal Composition
100% Pinot Noir
Harvest Date
September 9 - October 16, 2018
Bottled
April 9, 2020
Acid 0.57 g/100ml Alcohol 14.5%
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pH 3.68
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Tasting Notes
RHF Cabernet Sauvignon
2017
The second vintage of RHF is a complex and savory wine that comes from our estate vineyards in the heart of the Rutherford appellation. Bold, full bodied and textured it shines in toasted oak, blackberries, and punches of cinnamon and classic Rutherford dust. Dark chocolate lingers around ripe currant and a subtle hint of vanilla on the endless finish. Winemaker Notes Winston Hill is our original estate vineyard, rising nearly 500 feet above the valley floor. The 107-acre lot is planted to 25 acres of vines that receive some of the longest hours of sunshine in the valley. Our Benjamin Vineyard is directly across the Silverado Trail from Winston Hill and spans 87 acres with 70 acres planted with vines. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Benjamin Vineyard add depth and the classic “Rutherford dust” character to our RHF. Sourcing Sourced from select vineyards from the Oakville AVA, located along the valley floor in the heart of Napa Valley. The appellation extends over a flat expanse of well-drained soils of gravel and sand between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains resulting in wines with intense concentration, rich texture, and firm tannins. Aging 20 months in 50% new and 50% once-filled French oak barrels Varietal Composition
97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petite Verdot,
1% Merlot Harvest Date
September 23 - October 7, 2017
Acid 0.62 g/100ml pH 3.68
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Alcohol 14.5%
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resh tomato sauce over a bed of your favorite pasta pretty much has it all – great texture, mouthwatering acidity, and a juicy sweetness. When adding wine to this already perfect equation, you don’t want to overpower the fruity nuances with something heavy and tannic. That’s why Frank Family’s Winston Hill Sangiovese is the obvious choice to pair with this sauce. Its medium body, fruit forwardness, and manageable tannins make it one of the most food-loving red wines in our collection. INGREDIENTS: 2 Tablespoons Canola Oil 1 Pound Lean ground beef or ground turkey 1/2 Sweet onion, diced 2 Cloves Garlic, chopped 2 Pounds Summer heirloom tomatoes, dices or one 28oz can crushed tomatoes 1/2 Teaspoon Chili flakes 1 Sprig Fresh oregano 2 Tablespoons Basil, chopped METHOD: 1. Heat oil in a large sauté pan and add ground meat. Season to taste. Brown meat until fully cooked and meat begins to turn brown. Remove meat to a bowl and retain fat in the pan. 2. Add onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Then add garlic and sauté 1 additional minute until aromatic. 3. Return meat to the pan, then add tomatoes, chili flake, and oregano. 4. Simmer sauce covered for about 45 minutes, then add in fresh basil.
Fran k Fam i ly Sub s cr ipt ions
5. Serve with your favorite spaghetti or use for a summer lasagna sauce.
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Heirloom Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Recipe & Winston Hill Sangiovese
Ju ly 2021
Recipe Curated by Chef Christina Machamer
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Fran k Fam i ly Sub s cr ipt ions
“Our interest in wine has grown from a passion into a business, and we’re so proud to be celebrating 28 y e a r s i n N a p a Va l l e y . ” - Rich Frank
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Celebrating 28 Years of Frank Family T
his month marks Frank Family’s 28th anniversary! Our doors opened to the public on July 4th weekend in 1993 and here we are preparing for yet another memorable holiday in Napa Valley. Our winery has grown from a passion into a business, and we are grateful for 28 years of hosting guests, telling stories, and connecting over wine with all of you. We’re sharing some fun facts about our winery then and now in honor of 28 amazing years. 1. Our winery property in Calistoga has been grounds for winemaking well over 100 years. First constructed in 1884, our Historic Stone Building is considered an archetype of California’s wine country – appearing on the National Register of Historical Places and listed as a Point of Historical Interest in the state of California. 2. The Frank Family tasting room has humble beginnings. It was originally housed in a small white shed until 2008 when it was removed to make better use of the natural surroundings of the estate. 3. Frank Family owns four vineyards throughout Napa Valley which are important to our family, not only for the grapes they produce, but for their namesakes – Rich and Leslie’s grandchildren – Lewis, Stella, Jeremy, and Benjamin. 4. Frank Family was one of the last wineries in Napa Valley to continue the tradition of hand riddling sparkling wine. 5. Over the years, Frank Family has hosted many prominent celebrities at the winery including Oprah Winfrey in 2008. 6. Frank Family has been home to many family celebrations, the most important being Rich and Leslie’s wedding on May 5, 2012. 7. The first vintage of Patriarch was awarded 98 points from Robert Parker, which Rich presented to hist father, Hy Frank, on his 98th birthday. 8. Our RHF Cabernet Sauvignon was created in 2015 and named in honor of founder, Richard Harvey Frank but also stands for Rutherford, hillside, and floor from which the grapes for this wine are grown. 10. The Frank Family tasting room was redesigned in 2017 by famed Napa Valley designer, Erin Martin transforming our 1930s Craftsman house into a classic yet contemporary space that embodies the spirit of family in every room. 11. The Frank Family tasting room has three private rooms inside, each dedicated to a different theme. The “Patriarch Room” features wood baseball bats and patriotic touches that point to Rich’s father’s life. The “Hollywood Room” is filled with film memorabilia including two Emmy awards from both Rich and Leslie’s former careers in the entertainment and news world. The “Office” is our special VIP room which is the former office of Frank Family’s original tasting room manager, Dennis Zablosky.
13. 2020 was the first vintage our winery ever produced a still rosé. We call it Leslie Rosé after Proprietor, Leslie Frank’s love for Provencal rosés. 14. Frank Family’s Napa collection of wines can be found in restaurants and wine shops in every US state, as well as in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and throughout Asia.
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12. Philanthropy is very important to Frank Family. The winery launched our annual “Frank for a Cause” campaign in 2018 which supports a different charity every year. Some of our charitable partners have been the James Beard Foundation, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Feeding America, and Autism Speaks.
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1091 LARKMEAD LANE - CALISTOGA, CA 94515 707-942-0859 WWW.FRANKFAMILYVINEYARDS.COM