Vitner’s Description:
Frank Family Vineyards 2003 Napa Valley Zinfandel is dense, dark scarlet to the eye; the nose is jam-packed with dazzling blackberries, plums, and black cherries touched with the essence of white pepper spice. The palate is rich and concentrated with mouth filling ripe fruit flavors interwoven with velvety tannins followed by a long, comforting finish.

Cooperage:
15 months maturation in 35% New French Oak and 65% once and twice filled French Oak barrels

Owner: Rich Frank
Winemaker: Frank, Rombauer, Graff
Appellation: Frank Family
Vintage: 2003
Grape: 90% Zinfandel; 8% Syrah; 2% Petite Sirah
Drink now or linger, but don’t camp too long.
Drinkable Score: 8.0/10

Price: $35

I tasted this wine on site in Rutherford. While I quite enjoyed Frank Family’s full line of Cabernets, I was most impressed with their Zinfandel. “Concentrated and Spicy” is an understatement. The spice in this wine walks that fine line between bold and over the top. Spicy enough to stand out, yet not so far as to bite or leave too rough of a finish. In the words of the slightly toasted tasting room pourer, “It’s a rocket ship baby!” I bought a bottle and can’t wait to bust it out with my next spicy pork tenderloin. -EB