Frank Family Vineyards
Winston Hill
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford
Auction 22 | Lot No. 57
Vintage: 2016
Frank Family Vineyards
Winston Hill
Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford
5 cases produced
Highlights
- This unique Cabernet Sauvignon comes from 25-year-old-vines in the Heart Block of the Winston Hill Vineyard
- Rising 500 feet above the valley, the soil is made of well-drained volcanic deposits and sandstone
- Extensive hand labor lessens the yields to produce a rich, concentrated wine of beautiful balance
- Characteristic blueberry and chocolate flavors integrate over 24 months in 75% new French oak
Description
Frank Family Vineyards is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The Winston Hill estate in Rutherford, home to Rich and Leslie Frank and the incredible vineyard, is where it all began. This 25-acre hand-terraced parcel was last replanted in 1991. Winemaker Todd Graff made a one-of-a-kind barrel from his favorite Cabernet vines in the Heart Block, resulting in a very special wine.
Wine Facts
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
- Wine is produced in a Napa Green winery
Todd Graff
Winemaker, Frank Family Vineyards
Winemaker and General Manager Todd Graff is behind Frank Family’s reputation as a world-class producer of Napa Valley Cabernet and Chardonnay and their Napa Green certifications for both land and winery since 2014. Prior to joining Frank Family Vineyards in 2003, Todd's career began across the globe, where he worked at the steep slate vineyards of Weingut Klaus Schweicher in Mosel, Germany, the sandy soils of Château Yon-Figeac in St.-Émilion, France, and the decomposed granite and sandstone loam soils of Arrowfield Estate in Australia’s Hunter Valley, among others.
He returned to the Napa Valley in 1987 to work as the Assistant Winemaker at Stags' Leap Winery, and from 1990-95 was the Assistant Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Schramsberg Vineyards, where he honed his craft in making sparkling wines according to the Methodé Champenoise. During his tenure at Schramsberg, he also served as Technical Director and Winemaker at Caves Transmontanas in Portugal, a Schramsberg joint venture.
In 1995, Graff joined Cordoniu in Napa (now Artesa) as Sparkling Winemaker, and in 2000, he joined Sonoma Creek Winery as Winemaker, where he cultivated strategic relationships with grape growers and was a key component of the winery's executive management team.
Todd has played an essential role in Frank Family’s steady growth over the past 20 vintages including their recognition as “Winery of the Year” by the Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine in both 2012 and 2017. Todd was named “Napa Winemaker of the Year” by the North Bay Business Journal in 2020 and "Best Napa Winemaker" by Napa Valley Life Magazine as a result of his positive contributions to the wine industry.
Country born: United States
Education: Graff was drawn to winemaking at a young age and signed up for an introductory wine course while attending Santa Rosa Junior College. He then graduated from UC Davis with a degree in plant science and viticulture in 1984.
Years in the wine industry: 30+ years
Honors / Awards:
"Napa Winemaker of the Year," North Bay Business Journal
"Best Napa Winemaker," Napa Valley Life Magazine Reader's Choice Awards
Winemaking Philosophy:
Make balanced wines that best express our vineyard sites.
Beverages & More
1401 Willow Pass Road
Suit 900
Concord CA 94520-5242
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