2007 Frank Family Vineyards Reserve Sangiovese (93 Points)

DATE CONSUMED

Sunday, November 20, 2011

VINTAGE

2007

WINERY/PRODUCER

Frank Family Vineyards

WINE NAME

N/A

TYPE OF WINE

Red

COMPOSITION

100% Sangiovese

SUBNAME/NICKNAME

Reserve

VINEYARD DESIGNATION

N/A

REGION/A.V.A.

Rutherford, Napa Valley

ALCOHOL CONTENT

15.0%

PRICE PAID

$49.50

WHERE/WHEN BOUGHT AND/OR HOW PROCURED

We got this bottle at the winery’s tasting room (in Napa Valley) in September 2009.

BOUQUET

The bouquet for this wine reveals TONS of spices (mostly black pepper, along with hints of other savory herbs), along with some black fruits, rumors of oak, and a pinch or two of earth/soil.

TASTING NOTES

Here’s another example of a wine whose bouquet COMPLETELY foretells what the wine is going to taste like.  In this case, that means a fantastic Cal-Ital red wine that is very spicy, black-fruited, with a bit of oak and earth.

This wine is redolent of spices (especially cracked black pepper, along with savory herbs like rosemary and thyme) and black and red fruit (blackberries, plums, raspberries, and black cherries).  After those two predominant characteristics, the classic Italian red varietal traits of tannins and earthiness shine bright.  Whereas some Italian reds can be overwhelming with their tannic and earthy qualities, this Napa Valley Sangiovese is unbelievably/beautifully well-balanced, with fantastic structure and evenness.  With orchards of ripe, juicy, delicious black fruit, a container’s worth of black pepper, the PERFECT amount of oak and earth, smooth, easy-going, sweet tannins, a gorgeous creaminess, and a forgiving and complimentary dose of acidity, this is easily the best California Sangiovese I’ve ever had.  This wine is FANTASTIC!

Upfront disclosure:  I’ve never had an expensive, quality Italian Sangiovese and/or Chianti.  Based on numerous frothing and glowing reviews I’ve read of expensive/quality Chiantis, I’m assuming this is what a REAL good Italian Sangiovese/Chianti tastes like.  Napa is (obviously) known for their Bordeaux varietals, but based on how good this wine is, I’d suggest that more Napa wineries give the Italian varietals a chance to shine.  Caparone, Fratelli Perata, and Bella Luna in Paso Robles have proven how well Italian varietals can thrive and prosper on the Central Coast.  Based on this one wine alone, it’s obvious that Italian varietals can/could/should/would do VERY well throughout the Golden State (at least in Napa and Paso Robles)! 

If you’re as ignorant/clueless/inexperienced as I am about Sangiovese, I would describe this varietal as a cross between Zinfandel, Syrah, Grenache, and Petite Sirah.  Thanks to Frank Family Vineyards and this wonderful wine, I will be on the hunt for quality Sangiovese for the rest of my life!

In my humble opinion, this is one of the best sub-$50 bottles you can get out of Napa Valley.  Especially compared to those overpriced and overrated Cabernet Sauvignons!

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS

We paired this wine with lamb shanks, peppers, onions, and tomatoes with penne.  This wonderful wine went beautifully with the lamb shanks.  Based on how rich, spicy, creamy, and fruity this wine is, the wine would also pair well with steaks smothered in Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, prime rib, curried lamb shanks, lamb chops and/or rack of lamb, and an Italian pork roast.  Basically, this wine would go GREAT with any/all red meat dishes.

AGING POTENTIAL

For Sangiovese, this is actually a pretty young red at four years.  I actually was planning on letting this wine continue to age and cellar for another couple of years (at least), but I just couldn’t help myself.  Pairing red wine with lamb shanks and penne is always very difficult.  And since we had been “sitting” on this wine for the past two-plus years, I finally gave-in and had to pour this Bad Boy.  Although drinking beautifully well right now, based on how finely well-structured this wine is, this vintage would probably age nicely for another 20+ years.  The only problem: who in the hell can sit on a fantastic bottle like this for 20+ years?!?!?!  Certainly not me………

SCORE

93

Q.P.R. (QUALITY-TO-PRICE RATIO) (POOR, FAIR, GOOD, EXCELLENT)

GOOD-EXCELLENT

WINERY WEBSITE

http://www.frankfamilyvineyards.com/