Patriarch

2018 Rutherford

$275

Decadent yet sophisticated, the Patriarch offers a transcending experience of structure and elegant complexity. Sautéed herbs, dark cherry, and bittersweet chocolate notes provide an inviting nose, while dense black fruit, leather, and espresso liqueur flavors come into focus on the palate.

98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

97+ Points, Wine Advocate

96 Points, Antonio Galloni

  • Vintage2018
  • Varietal Composition100% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • AppellationRutherford
  • Harvest DateOctober 15 - 17, 2018
  • Acid0.61 g/100ml TA
  • PH3.61 pH
  • Alcohol %14.5%

"Another gem of a wine, the 2018 Patriarch makes the most of this vintage, revealing an opaque purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of crème de cassis, scorched earth, tobacco, lead pencil, and a Graves-like gravelly earth note. This beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, incredible purity of fruit, building yet silky tannins, and a monster of a finish."

Jeb Dunnuck

"Frank's top selection from Winston Hill is bursting at the seams with inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, licorice and new leather. Richly textured and unctuous, the Patriarch is gorgeous in 2018."

Antonio Galloni
Rich Frank

I presented the debut 2012 vintage of Patriarch to my dad on his 98th birthday. Our family gathered in Brentwood, California for the occasion. I’m still not sure who was more excited, me or him, but it’s something I will never forget.

Born in Brooklyn in 1916, Hy Frank pursued a career as a minor league baseball player, hoping to join the Dodgers on Ebbets Field one day, before the call to serve his country ended that dream. Enlisting in the War effort in 1942, when his son Rich was just ten months old, Hy served as an infantryman and medical supply driver in France until his return after the war’s end in 1947. Upon returning to New York, Hy found work as a butcher, and eventually opened his own meatpacking company Heide Meat Co. with his friend Gus in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Hy’s company serviced the restaurants and local grocery stores in New York City for over 30 years. Hy Frank’s determination, work ethic and commitment to family lay the foundation that Rich and Leslie Frank have built their winery on, and with this very special Cabernet, we not only honor the memory of one special man, the Patriarch of the Frank Family, but we honor the notion that those who have come before us, and who have struggled against adversity; who have sacrificed so we may have a better life, and enjoy the freedom we have; those men and women are all our Patriarchs and Matriarchs. Let us honor them always.

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Three bottles of Mt Veeder Cabernet in front of Disney memorabilia

Reserve

Our Reserve collection includes only small-batch, single-vineyard wines, ranging from 300 cases to 3,000, sourced from our Winston Hill, Lewis, S&J, and Benjamin Vineyards. We also seek out some of the best single-vineyard sites in Napa Valley and have been known to make incredibly unique Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, and other blends from these exquisite sites.