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. 

93 points, Peter Franus 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Wine Enthusiast

From the Stewart Vineyard in Carneros, planted with the Musqué clone, this white is spicy and sublimely textured, with a persistence of mineral mystique and balanced ripeness. Its well-crafted fruitiness is a mix of white peach and lime. - V.B. (Mar. 2018)

92 points, Peter Franus 2016 Albariño, Wine Enthusiast

This lively white is sourced from one site, the Stewart Vineyard in Carneros. It offers incredibly inviting aromatics and high-volume freshness, a nice combination that's balanced and ready for seafood. Peach and apple crispness further define it.  -V.B. (May 2018)

92 points, Peter Franus 2014 Merlot, Wine Enthusiast

From a single site in Carneros, the Stewart Vineyard, this wine is exuberant in red fruit, with a sly hint of tobacco and tomato leaf. Big ripe tannins wrap around a meaty side show of garrigue and black pepper, finishing in elegant ripeness.  -V.B. (Mar. 2018)

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)

91 points, Peter Franus 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinous

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon offers notable energy to balance its dark fruit. Savory herbs, tobacco, plum and red cherry all develop nicely with air. The 2014 is not a huge wine, but it is deceptive in its mid-weight structure, as has terrific energy as well as nuance. -Antonio Galloni (Dec. 2016)

92 points (Highly Recommended), Peter Franus 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Decanter

Dense aromas of forest fruits and raisins lead on to a lifted and delicate palate. A sleek attack with drive and energy. Limpid and poised with dark chocolate and a long, menthol finish. - (April 2018)  

92 points, Peter Franus 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, JamesSuckling.com

Aromas of blackberries and tar with hints of walnuts follow through to a medium to full body, soft and velvety tannins and a savory finish. Delicious. -James Suckling (Jan. 2017)

90 points, Peter Franus 2014 Brandlin Vineyard Zinfandel, Wine Enthusiast

Baked earth, mocha and vanilla characterize this field blend of 90% zinfandel with a rough mix of 10% Mourvèdre, Charbono, and Carignan. Robust on the pallet with a textured mouthfeel, it's full-bodied with bright, underlying acidiy and black peppery finish. -V.B. (May 2018)

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 2014 Napa Valley Zinfandel, Wine Enthusiast

Stewy, meaty and juicy, this wine is fleshy and expansive on the palate, with deft touches of smoke, black cherry and berry pie. Seasoned throughout is a classical layering of black pepper and cinnamon that keeps it fesh and spicy. - V.B. (May 2018.) 

92 points (Editor's Choice), Peter Franus 2014 Red Hills Zinfandel, Wine Enthusiast

It's great to find a big dry wine like this that has good structure without giving up the expansive berry flavors that Zin does so well. The aromas are potent with ultraripe blackberry and black cherry, then the mouthfeel has good gripping tannins for a lip-smacking finish. —J.G. (May 2018)

90 points, Peter Franus 2014 Red Hills Mourvèdre, Wine Enthusiast

This is a densely flavored and firmly textured wine that will benefit from further aging. It has a deep color, restrained aromas of black pepper, beef and berries and a mouthcoating viiscosity due in part to an abundance of fine-grained tannins. -J.G. (May 2018)

-Peter and our importer Michiyo Hagio in Tokyo