$27.99 at Crush Wine & Spirits in Bryant, Arkansas (AR)
90 points – Wine Enthusiast
89% Zinfandel / 11% Petite Sirah
Aged 16 months in French oak barrels – 33% new and 67% once and twice-used.
Aromas of raspberries, plum, cherry, vanilla, and earthy dried herbs. Medium-bodied on the palate with intense blackberries and black pepper. Notes of toasted oak and firm tannins with medium acidity.
Frank Family Vineyards was founded in 1992 when Rich Frank, former President of Disney Studios, bought the Hans Kornell Champagne Cellars winery. The property included the original Larkmead Winery building which was constructed in 1884 and refinished in 1906 with sandstone from the local hills. The building is now recognized as a historical landmark. Frank is actively involved with the operations of the winery with his wife, Leslie Frank. Leslie is an Emmy award winning broadcast journalist.
The winemaker and general manager is Todd Graff who has been with Frank Family Vineyards since 2003. After his graduation from UC Davis with a degree in plant science and viticulture in 1984, Todd worked for several great producers including Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Napa Valley, Weingut Klaus Schweicher in Mosel, Germany, Château Yon-Figeac in Saint-Émilion, France, and Arrowfield Estate in Australia’s Hunter Valley. He returned to Napa Valley in 1987 to work at Stags Leap Winery and then at Schramsberg Vineyards and then Cordoniu (now Artesa).
The winery has 380 acres of vineyards and focuses on making Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Sangiovese. Because the Kornell winery made sparkling wine, Frank Family makes a few sparkling wines. Graff has the unique training for making both still and sparkling wines.