Frank Family Vineyards 2018 Frank Family Napa Valley Merlot

Founded in 1992, Frank Family Vineyards is owned by Rich and Leslie Frank. The winery, located in Calistoga, is the third oldest winery in Napa. In 1884 the property was home to Larkmead Winery and from 1958-1992, home to Kornell Champagne Cellars. The original building is on the National Register of Historical Places. The winery was completely remodeled in 2007. The winemaker and general manager is Todd Graff. A UC Davis graduate, he has worked in Bordeaux, Germany, New Zealand and California, including Schramsberg Vineyards.Frank Family owns 480 acres of vineyard located in Napa, Carneros, and Rutherford in Napa County. The 20 acre Winston Hill Vineyard, located on the east side of the Napa Valleys Rutherford appellation along the Vaca Mountain range, is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, but small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese are also grown. The soil consists of well-draining, volcanic deposits and sandstone. The 138 acre Lewis Vineyard is located in Napa, Carneros and is planted on shallow, but dense clay loam soils. Chardonnay Dijon clones thrives here. Cabernet Sauvignon, along with small quantities of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel are grown in the 75 acre S&J Vineyard which is located in Napas Capell Valley. The vineyard is planted on fertile, well-draining, clay loam-based soil, reminiscent of the Rutherford Bench. The wines are produced with sustainably farmed estate fruit, but occasionally additional fruit is sourced from high-quality grape growers. Benjamin Vineyard is Frank Familys newest vineyard in Rutherford. It was formerly the Wood Ranch Vineyard and is planted to mosty Old vine cab. The former owners (the Wood family) sold the fruit to Caymus, the fruit now goes into FFV Napa Cab and Rutherford Reserve. Frank Family Vineyards was named 2012 Winery by the Year from the Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wines.

Alcohol percentage: 14.5