Frank Family Vineyards
Winston Hill Block 5 - Heart Block
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford
Auction 28 | Lot No. 108
Vintage: 2022
Frank Family Vineyards
Winston Hill Block 5 - Heart Block
Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford
5 cases produced
Highlights
- This wine was born from a single block on our Rutherford estate that rises 500 feet above the Napa Valley floor
- Rocky and volcanic soils give this 100% varietal wine natural concentration, structure and texture
- Extensive hand labor lessened yields to produce a rich and concentrated wine of beautiful balance
- Aging in new French oak for nearly 48 months to achieve deeper complexity and enduring elegance
Description
Our Winston Hill Heart Block is the best expression of our land and Winston Hill Vineyard is symbolic of what the Rutherford nested appellation has to offer. Frank Family’s founder, Rich Frank, acquired what would become our estate vineyard in 1990, falling in love with a great old house that came with an original 10 acres of vines planted among the 107-acre lot. Southwest-facing and known to be one of the iconic vineyards in Rutherford, Rich soon learned what he had, and what he could do with it. Three decades later, the unique terroir of our site has been captured time and time again, especially in the remarkable 2022 vintage.
Wine Facts
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
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.
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Premiere Napa Valley Wine Collection
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Family Vineyards | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Winston Hill Block 5 - Heart Block | 28 |
| Michael Mondavi Family Estate | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | M by Michael Mondavi | 27 |
| Axios | 2021 | Red Wine | Calistoga | The Estate | 26 |
| Louis M. Martini Winery | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Golden Crown | 25 |
| The Hess Collection Winery | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Mount Veeder | Ridge 4 Cabernet | 25 |
| Ackerman Family Vineyards | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | Vintress | 24 |
| Schweiger Vineyards Napa Green Winery | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | Windmill Block | 24 |
| Boeschen Vineyards Napa Green Winery | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | 21 | |
| Jamieson Ranch Vineyards | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | 21 | |
| Sterling Vineyards | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 21 | |
| Boeschen Vineyards Napa Green Winery | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | 20 | |
| Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Green Winery | 2014 | Red Wine | Oakville | Monastery Block, To Kalon Vineyard | 20 |
| Tournesol | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | Vertices | 20 |
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