A Tasting With Frank Family Vineyards
When I began my journey in to the wine world almost twenty years ago, I never would have dreamed I’d be sitting in a gorgeous restaurant in Toronto discussing fine wines with winery owners who happened to be a former president of Disney studios and an Emmy award-winning journalist. But, there I was, in one of those “pinch me” moments of my career with Rich and Leslie Frank of Frank Family Vineyards!
Paired with a delicious lunch from Black & Blue, we tasted and experienced these wines:
Carneros Chardonnay 2023
This Carneros region Chardonnay is crafted using 1/3 new. 1/3 once-filled. and 1/3 twice-filled French oak barrels for a nine month period and experiences regular battonage through the aging process attributing creaminess and depth. The nose possesses cream, flint, pear and wet stone aromas. The palate delivers a creamy softness, with a ripe acidity at the same time thanks to the partial malo the wine undergoes. Toasty flavours, with nutmeg and pear drop on a long finish.
Carneros Pinot Noir 2023
A 100% Carneros Pinot Noir sourced from Beckstoffer Vineyards, Sangiacomo Vineyards, and the Frank Family estate Lewis Vineyard. This wine sees 9 months French oak aging prior to bottling. Lively aromas of red licorice, red cherry, and wildberry that follow through to the palate. Smooth, and medium to full-bodied with purple plum and black cherries adding layers and depth.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
This bold red is mainly sourced from estate S&J Vineyard in Capell Valley and Benjamin Vineyard in Rutherford and consists of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Petite Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc. There’s a 20 month barreling period, with 33% new French oak. A seductive nose of black olives, blackberry, and licorice introduce a moody, full-bodied palate that unravels layers of dates, blackberries, leather, milk chocolate, and coffee amongst supple tannins and a dusting of black pepper on the finish.
Napa Valley Zinfandel 2022
This Napa Zin contains 11% Petite Syrah adding balance and complexity. True to the grape, this wine expresses juicy and jammy aromas and flavours that include blackberry, wildberries, and fine black pepper. Plush tannins, and a lengthy berry compote finish make this wine a perfect accompaniment for rich desserts like chocolate cheesecake!
One of the main things I love about this iconic winery based in Napa Valley, California, is their commitment to philanthropy. Every year, Frank Family Vineyards contributes to a national non-profit through “Frank for a Cause”. Always donating to extremely heartwarming causes, some of which have included health research, hunger relief, and animal welfare. To date, the generousity of their winery has saved over 1600 animal lives, planted 15000 trees on the west coast, and have donated 200,000 meals to families in need. This year, through to July 2025, Frank for a Cause is supporting one of my favourite charities, 4Ocean! Learn more here.
“Frank Family Vineyards is proud to be a certified cleanup partner of 4ocean, supporting their mission to help end the ocean plastic crisis. Every purchase of Frank Family wine through July 2025 will fund the removal of one pound of trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines. 4ocean has been leading the clean ocean movement since 2017, with more than 38 million pounds of plastic waste and other man-made debris recovered through the company’s efforts. With 100% of profits supporting its mission, 4ocean is committed to raising awareness about ocean plastic pollution, reducing the need for virgin plastics in the future, and funding its global ocean cleanup operations. With every drop we drink, we are connected to the ocean, so let’s work together to keep it healthy for generations to come!”
“We don’t have customers, we have guests.”
Frank Family Vineyards have repeatedly won awards for best winery to visit in Napa Valley. It may be difficult to get your hands on these iconic wines once they hit shelves in Ontario as they sell-out quickly, so a trip to see Napa’s third oldest building that’s pictured on the labels and experience their wonderful portfolio would surely be worthwhile!
Sponsored, but as always, thoughts are my own.