Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel 2021, Napa Valley, California

Frank Family Vineyards was 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. 2021 vintage – 88% Zinfandel, 12% Petite Sirah. A beautiful and approachable expression of Zinfandel providing dark plum and mission fig aromas, followed by classic varietal characteristics of cocoa powder, fennel, and cracked pepper on the palate. Deep and rich in blackberry and vanilla bean, our Zinfandel shows balanced concentration and ripeness, framed by refreshingly bright acidity. This wine is cultivated from the historic Sunseri Vineyard in Napa’s Chiles Valley. Its terroir is unique, as it lies approximately 1,000 feet above the Napa Valley floor and experiences a special microclimate. The higher elevation results in daytime breezes and cooler nights that creates a long and even growing season. Bud break and harvest occur later here which, in part, lends distinctive flavor and quality to this wine.
Aging: 16 months in 50% new French oak barrels and 50% neutral barrels.