94pts James Suckling

A refined and complete example of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage. The palate is taut and austere, with a good core of fruit, fine tannins, a textured mouthfeel, and balanced acidity, leading to a savory, mouthwatering finish.

Tasting Notes

This is a quintessential Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with pronounced aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla that welcome you into the glass. Flavors of black plums, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and a touch of espresso enhance the wine's complex and full-bodied structure, with a core of elegant acidity from start to finish.

Winemaker Notes

This is a powerful, classically structured wine made in a full- bodied style that possess underlying grace. Our signature Cabernet commences with inviting cassis, tobacco, and cocoa aromas. In the mouth, gorgeous depth and complexity shine with hints of coffee bean, nutmeg, and toasted oak. The tannins are finely ground and sweet, providing an elegant and expressive finish.

Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot

Winery Notes

Take a trip back in time at the Frank Family Vineyards. 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. The massive stone edifice is considered an archetype of California’s wine country; it appears on the National Register of Historical Places and is listed as a Point of Historical Interest in the state of California.

Owner Richard Frank focuses his energies on making superb still wines. The winery produces Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Sangiovese and several distinctly different Cabernet Sauvignons. The highly regarded Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which is barrel aged for two and one-half years, is emerging as one of the most sought after wines in the valley and their Napa Carneros Vineyards produce some of the finest Chardonnay available. The Sangiovese, a rising star, is created entirely from grapes grown on Rich’s property and the Zinfandel comes from the Brown Vineyards in the Chiles Valley. Once owned by wine legend Hans Kornell, the winery originally secured its reputation with sparkling wines. Five sparkling wines are handcrafted today in the old building: Brut, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, occasionally the Rouge and Reserve. All of these are made in the traditional French methode champenoise style.