Frank Family Vineyards 2009 Napa Valley Chardonnay -- Wine Review
Napa Valley, CA
Our Selection for Wine of the Week May 2, 2011
Frank Family Vineyards
2009 Napa Valley Chardonnay Napa Valley, CA
Rich Frank boasts an impressive résumé in Hollywood: former chairman of Walt Disney Television and Telecommunications, head of Buena Vista, president of Walt Disney Studios, president of the Paramount Television Group of Paramount Pictures, president of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and chairman and CEO of Comcast. But what impresses us the most is the role he took on in 1991, partnering with Koerner Rombauer of Rombauer Vineyards to create the Frank-Rombauer wine label. The winery later morphed into Frank Family Vineyards, which continues to gain momentum each year on the national wine scene. The winery is best known for its Chardonnay and Cabernet but also produces small quantities of sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and a red blend. The 2009 Chardonnay is a lush and full-bodied wine. Its aromas and flavors are a medley of tropical fruits, orange blossom and lime zest with hints of cashew and toast on the nose and finish. Minerality on the mid and back of the palate adds pleasing earthiness. Try it with summery fish dishes like halibut in an orange butter sauce or grilled salmon with a tropical fruit salsa. It would also work well with chicken sausages, a summer vegetable risotto or even a brunch of baked eggs and bacon with lemon curd-topped scones.