Reviews
Over the decades Peter Franus Wine Company has received numberous reviews in a number of industry publications. These are some of the more recent we have been fortunate enough to have had featured.
94 points (Editor's Choice), Peter Franus 2012 Red Hills Red, Wine Enthusiast
What a great break from boring commercial red blends! This vibrant but deep wine from the Fore Family Vineyard at 3,000-feet elevation has beautiful spicy aromas like black pepper, cardamom and tar, distinctive flavors of cranberry and black cherry and a taut texture of fine-grained tannins and good acidity. -Jim Gordon (Aug. 2016)
93 points, Peter Franus 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinous
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is superb. A host of graphite, grilled herbs, licorice and spice meld into a core of inky fruit in a rich, powerful, Cabernet Sauvignon that is going to take at least a few years to fully come together. This is an unusually big, opulent wine from Peter Franus, but all the elements are in the right place. -Antonio Galloni (Oct. 2015)
93 points, Peter Franus 2013 Napa Valley Red, JamesSuckling.com
A red with beautiful depth and texture showing a velvety mouthfeel and ripe yet reserved fruit. Full-bodied, flavorful and beautiful. Bordeaux blend. Drink or hold.-James Suckling (Jan. 2016) "The Top 100 Reds of Napa Valley 2016."
93 points, Peter Franus 2013 Napa Valley Red, Wine Spectator
Combines power with finesse and grace, featuring an extracted core of dark berry, loamy earth and crushed rock amid the dried herb and cedary notes. Smooth early on, yet gains tannic traction. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. -J.L. (April 2016)
92 points, Peter Franus 2013 Brandlin Zinfandel, JamesSuckling.com
This is a harmonious and delicious zin from 85-year-old vines that shows reserve and austerity that I appreciate. Full body, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. Subtle. Drink now.-James Suckling (Jan. 2016)
90 points, Peter Franus 2014 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Wine Enthusiast
Ripe, fleshy and tightly woven with bristling acidity, this nicely layered and complex white is food-friendly and structured, with just the right amount of nuanced topical character.-Virginie Boone (Aug. 2016)
90 points, Peter Franus 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wine Spectator
At points rustic and chewy, with a soul of charry oak, rich dark berry, licorice and cedar that shows the appropriate strength and focus. Drink now through 2025. -J.L. (April 2016)
90 points, Peter Franus 2013 Napa Valley Red, Wine Advocate
The 2013 Proprietary Red is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. This is the star of the trilogy. It is a dense ruby/purple with nice blueberry and black rasberry fruit, blackcurrants, licorice and a touch of new oak. It's medium to full-bodied, shows outstanding depth, purity and overall balance, while retaining its intrinsic elegance. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. -Robert M. Parker (Dec. 2015)
90 points, Peter Franus 2012 Cabernet Franc, JamesSuckling.com
A fruity yet subtle red with dried berry and cherry aromas and flavors. Medium body, fine tannins and a clean finish. Drink now. -James Suckling (Jan. 2016)
90 points, Peter Franus 2013 Brandlin Zinfandel, Wine Spectator
Big and ripe, but balanced by lively acidity. Aromas of black raspberry and peppered herb open to focused flavors of wild berry, grilled anise and mineral. Drink now through 2022. 1,200 cases made.—T.F. (Jan. 2016)
90 points, Peter Franus 2013 Napa Valley Zinfandel, Wine Enthusiast
Peppery leather opens up this wine, blended with 5% Mourvèdre. More savory than fruity, it pleases in big tannin weight and length, with an intensity of brambly wildness and a sagey, smoky edge.-Virginie Boone (Aug. 2016)
90 points, Peter Franus 2013 Red Hills Zinfandel, Wine Enthusiast
Made from vines at a 3,000-foot elevation by a Zin master, this wine is flavorful, round and rich. It shows plenty of fruit in the aromas and on the palate, serving raspberry and strawberry on a light bed of tannin, with plenty of body to back them up.-Jim Gordon (Sept 2016)
-Peter and our importer Michiyo Hagio in Tokyo